After a tough 2016, booking a holiday tops the list for Brits looking for the 2017 ?feel good? factor, according to Royal Caribbean.
The cruise line recently released details of its 2018 itineraries and alongside this commissioned new research which revealed Brits are relying on their holidays to get over the misery of 2016. Brits confess that Trump winning the US election (47%), Brexit (38%) and the deaths of beloved celebrities like David Bowie, Alan Rickman and Terry Wogan (33%) were all factors which left them feeling a little blue.
In the poll of 2,000 UK adults, respondents were asked to list what they got most excited by, with booking a holiday coming out on top (65%), ahead of spending time with friends and family (40%) and carrying out a random act of kindness (32%).
Other holiday-associated activities also scored highly on the scale, with watching the sunrise or sunset (32%), drinking an ice cold beer or wine on a hot day (27%), jumping in a pool (18%) and swimming in the sea (14%) all featuring in the top 20 list.
In order to ensure 2017 is happier than its predecessor, travellers will be indulging in the feel good factor that holidays bring: 49% are already thinking about what holidays to take and 40% will book more than six months in advance. 70% said their excitement increased the longer they had to wait for a holiday, while 75% book in advance to make sure they don?t miss out on the best deals.
Ben Bouldin, managing director of UK & Ireland for the cruise line, said: ?Our research shows just how impactful holidays can be to the nation?s happiness and wellbeing. Guests are increasingly booking trips further in advance so that they have even longer to enjoy that pre-holiday buzz and our agents play a crucial role in facilitating this, not only for regular travellers but especially for those new to cruise. We?re proud to sail 24 of the world?s most innovative cruise ships to more than 250 destinations worldwide and excited to announce our extraordinary 2018 UK and European deployment itineraries.?
These itineraries are now on sale and customers can save up to 30% off selected sailings and receive up to $400 to spend onboard on selected 2017/18 itineraries when booked by May 1.
Visit royalcaribbean.co.uk for more details.
