The British Airways Holidays Travel Report, which surveyed more than 5,000 people during December, has revealed 12% of the UK’s population are still booking their holidays during the traditional peak month.

The report added an average of four holidays will be taken by each Brit in 2016 but showed just how likely high earners are to jet off more regularly.

With an average 13% of total annual salary spent on holidays, the survey found those earning £15,000 will take an average of three holidays, while those earning £55,000 expect to take seven trips.

Once the holiday has been booked, the average Brit will spend seven months, one week and four days saving up to afford the trip with a quarter of respondents foregoing meals out and socialising to save the cash.

Family holidays remain the favourite of those surveyed with a third saying they are the best while only 8% said a romantic getaway is their preferred option.

The research also highlighted the amount of money travellers spend both preparing for their trip and once they are overseas.

Of the average £4,260 a family of four will spend on holiday, £2,328 is spent on the package with the remaining 45% spent either on pre-holiday preparations or once in resort.

Claire Bentley, managing director of British Airways Holidays, said: “We were really surprised by just how much money goes on pre-holiday shopping, pampering and other extras compared to the cost of the holiday itself.

“The research shows that holidaymakers need only cut back on discretionary spend to be able to afford a dream trip away.

“Booking an all-inclusive package, with meals and drinks included, is a great way to keep track of spending or opting for a self-catering villa is another way in which families and larger groups can keep costs down.