Brits Adopt New Holiday Booking Trends to Discover Hidden Gems and Free Activities

Travel Secrets: Brits’ New Approach to Holiday Planning

Brits use creative ways to organize their vacations in the current travel environment, looking for inexpensive experiences and undiscovered gems. Travel guides and brochures are still helpful, but more and more travellers are looking outside the box for ideas for their next trip.

Emma Gillen, an enthusiastic traveller, shares her unique strategy, which combines destination names with specific interests like “travel” or “itinerary” in online searches. For example, queries such as “New York thrift shops” or “Turkey countryside itinerary” yield tailored suggestions for individual preferences.

Surprisingly, social media platforms like TikTok are emerging as valuable resources for travel research. Stuart Flint from TikTok confirms that many European users actively seek travel content on the platform, often finding inspiration and making travel-related purchases based on TikTok recommendations.

An expert said the platform offers niche information not widely available

Moreover, TikTok proves to be a treasure trove for budget-conscious travellers. Gillen points out that users can discover free activities in their desired destinations simply by searching on the platform, adding a new dimension to cost-effective trip planning.

Tips for Booking Budget-Friendly Hotels

Booking a budget-friendly yet comfortable hotel stay requires more than just browsing booking websites. Seasoned industry insiders share insider strategies to secure the best deals and even score complimentary upgrades.

Jane Knight, a respected travel writer and editor of the Good Hotel Guide, recommends booking Sunday night stays for significant savings, especially during off-peak seasons. These bookings often come with enticing perks like complimentary meals or spa treatments, making them a smart choice for savvy travellers.

Brits booking their summer 2022 holiday in the UK are hit with a ‘staggering’ surge in lets selling out Credit: Rex.

For travellers seeking additional savings or upgrades, Jane Pendlebury, CEO of The Hospitality Professionals Association, advises a direct approach. Travelers can unlock exclusive offers that may not be publicly advertised by contacting hotels directly. Pendlebury highlights that many hotels reserve their best deals for direct inquiries to maintain brand integrity.

Television travel expert Peter Greenberg echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that a significant portion of hotel inventory remains unavailable online. By directly communicating with hotel staff, travellers can access hidden discounts, complimentary upgrades, and other unavailable perks on booking platforms.

A 2020 study by Which? Further, it supports the advantages of booking directly with hotels. The study found that most rooms were cheaper when booked directly through the hotel website, often accompanied by incentives such as free upgrades, breakfast, and discounted spa treatments.

By bypassing third-party booking sites, travellers secure better deals and contribute directly to the hotel’s revenue, increasing the likelihood of receiving exceptional service and additional amenities during their stay.