Moneysupermarket.com Group : 2012 set to be the year of the value-cation

• Value for money is key for Brits as price is the number one consideration
• Brits refuse to give up holidays and plan to go away for longer, despite tighter holiday budgets
• Average Brit intends on spending £642 on main 2012 holiday
• One in five say they'll rely on a credit card to afford 2012 break

The research suggests that Brits will be expecting more for less this year. In 2011, Brits said they spent on average £829 on their main holiday (flights and accommodation), but in 2012 they said holiday budgets are set to average £642. Yet despite this, Brits say they will be looking to go on a longer break this year, with over half (51 per cent) planning on taking a main holiday of over a week.

These findings are backed up by 42 per cent of Brits who have identified price as their number one holiday consideration, beating typical factors such as weather (chosen by 32 per cent) and accommodation (26 per cent). Price was considered most important for young couples with children, and was identified by 51 per cent. The research also found an increase in those intending to take self-catering and all-inclusive breaks - at 31 per cent and 12 per cent of main holidays in 2012 respectively. Both are tried and tested methods for keeping holiday costs under control and helping budget.

When it comes to holidays in 2012 the amount Brits plan to spend does vary significantly around the country. The research revealed that Nottingham residents intend to spend the most on their break away by splashing out on average £850 for their main holiday. Conversely, those from Norwich intend to spend the least of all the UK cities - just £502 per person. Brits in their sixties were found to be the age group spending the most at an average £764 compared to those between 18-29 years of age, who will spend just £547.

In order to pay for their holidays this year, Brits have said they will be turning to the plastic. A fifth (19 per cent) of those surveyed said they would rely on their credit cards to pay for their main holiday in 2012 and a further 46 per cent said they will have to dip into savings to get away. 40 per cent of Brits said they will be able to afford a holiday on their 2012 disposable income.

Spending money whilst in destination will be another big consideration for holidaymakers, with the average Brit planning on taking £450 per person with them on their main holiday - or just over £47 per day. This is up from the 2011 figure of £43 per day. Men plan on taking on average £100 more with them for their spending money than women - this works out at £505 compared to £404. Eight per cent of Brits said they will be big spenders, taking over £1,000 spending money per person with them for their main break.

Bob Atkinson, travel expert from TravelSupermarket commented: "2012 will be the year of the value-for-money holiday where Brits will be forced to seek out great deals and be savvy when it comes to getting what they want, within budget.

"Brits are clearly looking to get their holiday budgets to work harder for them this year, looking to get away on a longer break than they did in 2011. It's a typical case of wanting more for less. This may seem unrealistic, however there are set to be some real bargains out there for 2012, so many may well achieve this, particularly if they are flexible about where they go and when.

"Popular European destinations such as Portugal, Spain and Greece will all offer great value in 2012, partly due to the weak Euro. Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey will also offer great value breaks due to the domestic upheaval and inflation pressures we have seen in these countries putting many off - meaning good value for those who do go.
"Using comparison sites is also a great way to be sure you are getting the best value for money available. For example TravelSupermarket data has revealed that using our website to compare providers will save on average £150 per holiday - that's a lot of spending money you could have in your pocket.

"If you plan to pay for your holiday using a credit card, I would advise selecting one with a period of 0 per cent interest on purchases to spread payments without extra costs. And if you intend to use a card overseas check out best buys to avoid charges.

"Finally, I would also advise holidaymakers to use the internet to find the best deals on their travel money. Significant savings of more than 10** per cent can be made by shopping around vs. buying currency at the airport."

Top Ten UK cities intending to spend the most on their main 2012 break (not including spending money)

City	Average spend
Nottingham	£850
London	£772
Edinburgh	£705
Glasgow	£696
Sheffield	£683
Manchester	£652
Newcastle	£630
Liverpool	£630
Leeds	£627
Leicester	£595

Findings taken from the forthcoming TravelSupermarket Travel Trends Tracker, due to be published in February. This is the third press release taken from the Travel Trends Tracker. http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/press-releases/top-travel-destinations-for-brits-in-2-0-1-2/0012619/. The second release is available here: http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/press-releases/how-brits-will-travel-in-2012/0012997/

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Notes to Editors:

*Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 5,187 UK adults, on behalf of TravelSupermarket.com, aged 18+ from 9 to 23 November 2011. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria

**The difference between the best buy online and the airport can be as high as 12.95% when we did our test. €1500 cost £1430.04 at Manchester Airport with Thomas Cook but you could buy the same amount from ICE in London for £1244.81 - £185.23 less. Prices and rates sourced by MoneySupermarket.com on 05 Jan 2012 and correct as of 1pm