Despite Britons planning to spend a fifth less while on holiday this year, they are still intending to go away, a survey has revealed.

Tough economic times mean the amount people plan to spend has dropped from £1,014 in 2010 to £829 this year, according to 2,153 adults questioned by travelsupermarket.com.

Cost has become an increasingly important factor in booking a holiday in recent months, with 78% currently citing it as a consideration, compared with just 43% six months ago.

The poll revealed that cost is now more important when deciding where to go on holiday than weather or facilities, which scored 37% each.

Excluding flights and accommodation, the average amount spent while away on holiday has fallen from £307 per week last July to the current level of £298.

People living in Northern Ireland are likely to spend the most while on holiday – parting with £373 per week. However, it represents a significant decline from last July’s figure of £420 a week.

The most frugal of holidaymakers, meanwhile, are those living in East Midlands. They intend to spend just £256 a week.

The poll also indicated that men plan to spend more per week than women while they are away, parting with £334 a week compared with £348 and £313 six months and a year ago respectively. Women, on the other hand, now plan to spend £258, compared with £265 six months and £278 and a year ago.

Men also plan to fork out more for their holiday than women, paying £922 per person on average for their main summer holiday compared with an average of £740 for women.

Holidaymakers in south-east England are planning to spend the most on their main trip this year, with an average figure of £960.

Those keeping a close eye on the finances might want to consider taking bus transfers to the airport to avoid steep parking fees. They are fast, economical and easy to use, and service most major airports in the UK, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton.

Copyright Press Association 2011

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