Booking Data Reveals the Type of Trips British Holidaymakers are Planning

With the new year in full swing, Oliver's Travels looks at the year ahead and the trends shaping Britons’ 2021 holiday decisions. Recent booking data from the villa holiday specialist demonstrates staycations will continue to be the preferred holiday of choice in 2021, along with destinations reachable by car. Data also reveals consumers are willing to spend more money on their 2021 holidays, suggesting far-flung bucket-list holidays may soon be in demand as air corridors gradually reopen and restrictions start to ease.

With an enviable portfolio of cosy cottages, extraordinary castles, and chic beach villas, below are just a few ideas of the trips in high demand for 2021 and where to stay.

Road Trips & Staycations

For families looking to holiday on home soil, the best way to explore the country is by car allowing the flexibility and freedom to veer away from well-trodden tourist trails. Road trips and staycations are set to stay at the top of travellers picks this year, with Oliver’s Travels already seeing a surge in bookings for the year. Oliver Bell, Co-Founder at Oliver’s Travels’ commented: “Our data shows that Britons' booking habits for 2021 are still very much driven by the ongoing pandemic and that for many this means staying in the UK or venturing to nearby European countries such as France that are accessible by car.”

With staycations making up a staggering 64% of 2021 bookings, they show no signs of slowing down as Co-Founder Ravi Sabharwal commented: “Having previously accounted for 16% of overall business last year, UK staycations are now contributing to over a third of our overall business (34%). Briton’s are keener than ever for easy to reach holiday destinations. Alongside the UK, our staycation bookings for France are currently soaring in interest, taking up (30%) of our overall enquiries. It’s clear there is a hunger, demand and popularity for staycations.”

2021 Road Trip Inspiration

Chateau Quatre Saisons, Normandy

Getting there: 50-minute drive from the Caen ferry port in Ouistreham, connected to Portsmouth.

Nestled within 60 acres of private woodlands, this property is within easy reach of the UK, just under an hour from the nearest ferry port. Ideal for families looking to keep fit whilst on holiday, it features its own gym, tennis courts and bikes for exploring the area on two wheels. Sleeping 10 guests, the chateau has a range of rooms to suit all ages including a twin room for the youngest guests.

2021 rates from £4,383 for a seven-night stay sleeping 10 guests in five bedrooms. To book visit www.oliverstravels.com.

2021 Staycation Inspiration

Snow Goose, Sussex

New to the Oliver’s Travels portfolio, Snow Goose holds a fantastic waterfront position, just a short distance outside the popular village of Bosham. The home makes an idyllic retreat, perfect for those who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle and spend time enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Ideal for families, the ground floor shines as the main entertaining space, the adults will enjoy snuggling up next to the fire in the living room while the children will enjoy fun movie nights in the cinema room. Outside, the terrace makes the perfect spot to enjoy a yummy barbecue al fresco while enjoying the river views. The children will enjoy spotting the wide variety of birds and playing fun games on the lawn.

2021 rates from £1,998 for a seven-night stay sleeping nine guests in five bedrooms. To book visit www.oliverstravels.com

Post-Pandemic Wanderlust

With the pandemic bringing once in a lifetime travel plans to a halt last year, many are eager to chase their wanderlust dreams as soon as it is safe to do so. Oliver Travels’ booking data shows an increased appetite to spend more on travel in 2021, as Co-Founder Oliver Bell commented: “Our average order is up by about £453 for recently made 2021 bookings, suggesting that people are willing to spend more money on 2021 holidays after not being able to travel much in 2020 and may have more disposable income saved up because of this.”

Previously expensive bucket-list destinations such as Thailand, Bali and Mexico could shortly be back on the table for families seeking adventure and some much-needed sunshine.

Post-Pandemic Wanderlust Inspiration

Kaba Kaba Estate, Bali

Perfect for families looking to treat themselves, this lavish estate rises from royal land on the edge of a traditional village, featuring eight glorious bedrooms - five with king size four poster beds, two with twin beds convertible to king and one kids' slumber room with four bunk beds - providing peaceful havens to return to at the end of the day. Kids can be entertained for hours by an air hockey table and football table in the games room, make use of the kids’ bicycles provided to roam the garden, or splash to their hearts content in a special dedicated wading area of the pool.

Situated in a location surrounded by sun, sea, and sand outdoor activities are on offer in abundance. Guest may be rolled in surfing lessons or try snorkelling and spot some exotic fish at some of the beaches with gentler currents like Green Bowl Beach or Jimbaran Bay. With attractions such as the Bali Sea Turtle society nearby, that works with local communities to protect endangered sea turtles and release them back into the wild - this is an excellent activity for children to learn about marine life and a once in a lifetime experience.

2021 rates from £9,336 for a seven-night stay sleeping ten to guests in eight bedrooms. To book visit www.oliverstravels.com.