Consumers giving up luxuries to afford holidays, report finds

UK consumers hoping to treat themselves to a holiday this year are giving up other luxuries to make sure they can afford it, a new survey has found.

Research by the Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks revealed that annual spending on ferry trips, city breaks and other holidays will be £905.83 for the average family this year, up from £872.64 in 2009.

However, the amount allocated to make-up, clothes, meals out, hobbies and other luxuries was found to have fallen year-on-year.

Travellers planning to visit Europe this summer can make sure their trip gets off to an affordable start by booking a cheap crossing on the Dover to Calais ferry route, which is served by SeaFrance and P&O Ferries.

Commenting on the study, Steve Reid, retail director at Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks, said: "The survey clearly shows that people are changing their spending habits by cutting back on small luxuries so that they can afford the things that really make a difference in life."

Ferry travel is also an option for people planning 'staycations' this year.

One highly popular destination is the Isle of Wight, which holidaymakers can reach by taking ferries from Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Ryde with Wightlink.

Posted by Mark Robinson