Whether it be an all-inclusive package, a backpacking trek or a luxury resort, for many Brits a holiday is a treasured week or two when we get to relax and indulge in a bit of escapism. But when things go wrong abroad, it can turn this oasis of calm into a total nightmare.
To mark their 20th birthday, consumer holiday watchdog HolidayTravelWatch has launched its inaugural Holiday Standards Report, which reflects on holiday standards over this last two decades and Brits opinions and experiences of travelling abroad.
The report shows that worryingly, almost a third of Brits (31%) believe general holiday standards have dropped in the last 20 years. Noting essential factors of cleanliness (45%), food standards (39%) and customer service (30%) as three main disappointments.
After the recent atrocities in Tunisia and Turkey, feeling secure has never been more important. Yet half of holidaymakers have concerns over safety! A quarter felt safety in resorts has dropped in addition to a further 25% that say Health and Safety standards in general have fallen.
But much of the nation’s holiday goers are being complacent. Despite their apprehension, almost a third (32%) admitted they do not take out travel insurance for every holiday. These risk takers go further, as of those who don’t always take out insurance, over half (54%) admit to also not taking their European Health Insurance Card with them when they travel.
It’s unsurprising then, that more than four in 10 British families now holiday less than they did two decades ago. Although tightening purse strings was the most common reason cited (64%) most consumers noted dissatisfaction with cost versus experience. More than four in 10n believe value for money isn’t what it was two decades ago.
However, despite all of these frustrations more than a fifth of us do not complain when faced with below-par standards! Almost a third (30%) say they aren’t confident they will get a resolution, while 27% say a lack of confidence stops them from raising their issue. Alarmingly, almost a fifth (19%) say they have experienced intimidation of some form when they have tried to complain while on holiday.
