Dream holidays out of reach for majority of Brits: report

With summer slowly creeping closer, many Brits are guilty of fantasising about far-off destinations they would like to visit.

But, unfortunately for the vast majority, those visions may be out of reach as 91 per cent of people have a dream holiday in mind they are unable to go on.

The research of more than 2,750 UK adults found that while affordability is the main stumbling block to Brits jetting off (78 per cent), nearly a fifth (17 per cent) have responsibilities that prevent them from going away and 14 per cent prioritise other holidays first.

Despite this, the study conducted by TopCashback.co.uk, the UK’s most generous cashback shopping site, shows that Brits still have a very clear idea of what their perfect escape is. For the majority of Brits a dream holiday means visiting places they have never been before (69 per cent) and having new experiences (62 per cent). For 45 per cent of people it means time with loved ones and a similar number (43 per cent) said switching off from everyday life, once in a lifetime experiences and visiting famous sights summed up the ultimate getaway.

Relaxation topped the list of activities Brits most want to do on their ideal trips, with 72 per cent saying they would want to put their feet up on a dream holiday. Two thirds of people (66 per cent) would want to see the local landscape, 62 per cent would want to eat local cuisine, 56 per cent said seeing wildlife and 54 per cent would want to learn about local culture.

With the majority of Brits not yet financially in a position to go on their dream vacation, two thirds (64 per cent) would need to save up to fund their trip. Only 15 per cent of people would be able save enough within a year whilst nearly two fifths (37 per cent) think it would take between one and two years. One in four people (25 per cent) said it would take them more than five years of saving to be in a position to go on their holiday.

When it comes to the saving process, nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of Brits are willing to sacrifice their social lives e.g. skipping drinks and meal outings with family and friends to save up for a dream trip. Four per cent would even give up their car for the extra money. But around a quarter (22 per cent) think that cutting back on spending before the actual holiday affects their excitement for the trip.

Less common dream destinations included places much closer to home such as West Yorkshire, Scotland, London and Cornwall.