LONDON, June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• 10% planning a longer or more luxury break; 19% cutting back  -in other areas to make way for holiday

• 64% want to relax; 42% want a break 'from the real world'  

• Seeking value, insights and reading reviews online   

Despite the gloomy economic outlook, Britons are still looking forward to their holidays with the majority (84%)* planning to take a holiday this summer. And when researching that dream destination, according to a new survey on holiday habits carried out by specialist travel insurance provider Hiscox, it's no longer personal recommendations from family and friends that travellers turn to, but Google (36%) and travel sites like TripAdvisor (33%) are the top choices when it comes to research.

Determination not to compromise on the year's holiday plans is revealed with 18% saying their holiday budget will continue to be the same as the previous year, while nearly one in five (19%) are cutting back on other expenses so that their holiday remains a priority. One in ten (10%) holidaymakers are actually planning a longer or more luxurious holiday this year to help combat work stress and 15% are planning to take more mini-breaks rather than a longer holiday.

The research shows that nearly two thirds (64%) see their holiday as a time to relax while 42% see it as a break 'from the real world'.

Going online for sunshine
When it comes to researching holiday plans, the internet dominates with more than half of those who book online (51%) saying it has changed the type of holidays they go on, by enabling them;

• to find better deals (63%)
• to find it easier to find flights and hotels (60%)
• to see reviews before booking (53%)
• to tailor holiday arrangements to their needs (47%).

The research suggests the internet is the most popular way to make a booking with 59% booking online directly with the hotel or tour operator or via travel aggregator sites. One in twenty (5%) are now researching their travel plans on their smartphones.

Colin Wallace, insurance expert from Hiscox commented: "We talk about hitting the beaches but before we get there, it's about surfing the net. Holidaymakers are searching online for the latest hotspots and tailoring their breaks to suit their friends and family.

"Holiday makers are also becoming increasingly more aware of the options open to them with more than a third actively seeking the holiday with the most value and many willing to cut back in other areas so they can still pursue their holiday experiences, whether that's an all inclusive luxury beach resort, a city mini-break or an all-action activity holiday."

Notes to editors

*2,284 online interviews with ABC1 respondents, working full time, were conducted from 11-13 April 2012 on behalf of Hiscox by Opinium Research LLP.

About Hiscox

Hiscox, the international specialist insurer, is headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). There are three main underwriting parts of the Group - Hiscox London Market, Hiscox UK and Europe and Hiscox International. Hiscox London Market underwrites internationally traded business in the London Market - generally large or complex business which needs to be shared with other insurers or needs the international licences of Lloyd's. Hiscox UK and Hiscox Europe offer a range of specialist insurance for professionals and business customers, as well as high net worth individuals. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda, Guernsey and USA. Hiscox Insurance Company Limited, Hiscox Underwriting Limited, Hiscox Europe Underwriting Limited and Hiscox Syndicates Limited.

Hiscox also provide a variety of business insurance products.

For business insurance quotes, public liability quotes and any further information, please visit http://www.hiscox.co.uk

SOURCE Hiscox