Self Catering Hols up as credit crunch bites 31st July 2008
The credit crunch may be gnawing its way into the family budget, but families are fighting back by budgeting their holiday costs more carefully.
Value-wise, for the price of two nights in a quality hotel a family can relax for a week in a home-from-home environment, with added extras like a private jacuzzi, fully-equippped contemporary kitchen, private terrace and plenty of living space
Richard Fletcher, Group Resort Director
According to recent surveys by top travel companies such as Youtravel.com, British holidaymakers are still determined to get away; it's just the type of holiday that's changing.
Self-catering holidays took off in the 1970s. British Rail's famous "Let The Train Take The Strain" was one of the most memorable ad campaign slogans ever, and quickly became a popular catchphrase. But the slogan slipped out of fashion when the popularity of train travel petered out as cheap flights dominated the overseas holiday market. The sky was the limit for new destinations.
This summer, train travel is back in style. Eurostar has reported strong half year profits and its new direct ski services which went on sale on July 16 will whisk skiers from St. Pancras to the French Alps this winter. Meanwhile, with the strong euro and high fuel prices hogging the headlines, holidaymakers are snipping their holiday budgets to suit their pockets, opting for self-catering accommodation over hotel rooms.
Consumers are looking for ways of cutting holiday costs, rather than abandoning trips altogether, says Paul Riches, sales and marketing manager of online accommodation website Youtravel.com.
"People are still travelling, but want to keep costs down. So they're opting to self-cater - cutting the expense of eating out - or they're booking all-inclusive hotels so they know exactly what they will be paying," says Riches.
Leading European holiday company Club La Costa reports that bookings at their 22 resorts in Europe are up on last year's, reflecting the trend towards self-catering breaks. Demand for holidays at their Spanish resorts has never been greater. Group Resort Director Richard Fletcher believes families are looking for all the comforts of home, with all the luxuries that resort living can offer but without the expense of having to eat out every night.
"A 2-bedroom suite at Club La Costa's Santa Cruz Suites near Marbella sleeps up to six," he explains. "So, value-wise, for the price of two nights in a quality hotel a family can relax for a week in a home-from-home environment, with added extras like a private jacuzzi, fully-equippped contemporary kitchen, private terrace and plenty of living space. Our interior-designed apartments have full onsite amenities, including 24-hour concierge service, shops, restaurants, pools and gardens. With Marbella, Mijas, Fuengirola and Malaga only a short drive away, you have everything you need onsite with the attractions of these towns if you want to get out and about."
A survey by online travel company Kayak.co.uk also revealed that most people would trade down on certain luxuries rather than deny themselves a well-earned holiday; 60 per cent said they would self-cater to save money on expensive meals out.
Value-wise, for the price of two nights in a quality hotel a family can relax for a week in a home-from-home environment, with added extras like a private jacuzzi, fully-equippped contemporary kitchen, private terrace and plenty of living space
