What are your holiday plans this winter 2016/2017? Survey results

Are you planning to jet off to a sunny location this winter, or relax by the fire at home? Has the Zika virus deterred you from travel to certain locations? We love hearing your opinions, so our team can offer the types of deals you’re searching for.

Here are the results of a survey recently sent to Simply Holiday Deals members, to give you the opportunity to tell us about your winter holiday plans for 2016/2017. When all’s said and done, the overriding result is that we’re all looking for some winter sun!

As to whether or not most people are planning to actually take a holiday during winter, nearly 70% of respondents are absolutely ready to get into the Christmas spirit and take a break from everyday life.

Despite the wonderful range of ski resorts across Europe, it seems everyone wants to escape the cold, in favour of a sunny destination. And by everyone, we mean an overwhelming 90% of members!

One of the hottest news topics of 2016, Britain’s decision to leave the EU raised numerous questions from UK travellers. For the moment, however, Brexit has had little effect on travel plans.

Continuing on the topic of news affecting travellers, our results find that people are exercising a certain degree of caution, with regard to the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Popular holiday locations, including Thailand, Barbados and Mexico are noted as high risk, especially for women travelling while pregnant.

Next, we wanted to know where you’d like to find that all-important winter sun. With golden sands, beach resorts, historical cities, tapas and sangria, it’s little wonder that most people prefer Spain as a sunny holiday spot. The Caribbean and Greece also rank highly, as an escape from the cold.

Do you travel on public holidays? Though it’s the world’s favourite holiday season, the results reflect the fact that travel during Christmas and New Year can be pricey and crowded, with over 60% of respondents planning to stay at home.

The majority of people who do choose to travel over public holidays, prefer to leave the country, however only by a small margin. After all, a UK winter offers wonderful opportunities for cosy country cabin breaks, magical festivals, ice skating and mulled wine.

Now to Christmas holiday events, namely magical markets. A surprising majority of members have never experienced, nor plan to visit one of Europe’s spectacular Christmas markets.

However, the results show that members do love the markets right here at home in Bath, with traditional wooden chalets lining the streets surrounding the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. Those who’ve ventured to European markets, prefer Germany’s famous markets in Berlin and Cologne.

Out of 216 respondents, nearly 70% were female, with approximately 60% stating they are 56 years or older.