A survey of 2,016 adults conducted for insurance specialist AllClear found 72% wanted a holiday to remember because of the past two years of the pandemic.

A similar percentage said the pandemic had changed their view on the importance of overseas travel, with 35% of these saying the experience of being stuck indoors made it more important for them to now visit places while they are fit and able. 
 
A further 19% said they wanted to bring forward plans for the holiday of a lifetime, while 12% said they would like to have an extended break.

AllClear found the desire to stop deferring plans was most strongly felt among older people, with 46% of over-55s and 45% of retired people saying the pandemic had made it more important for them to see places.

Over-65s were also willing to pay the most to make their holidays special this year, with an average of £1,457 each, a figure significantly more than the £1,001 average when AllClear asked the same question last year. 

Chris Rolland, AllClear chief executive, said: "There is no question that cost of living hikes are a major concern for many and the recent disruptions at airports could undermine fragile confidence in the travel sector. 

“In truth, the fact airports are so busy is because people are desperate to get away. After two years of the pandemic, our research suggests consumer confidence in the safety of travel has bounced-back significantly this year – and there is pent-up determination to act on this. 

“The vivid memories of being shut indoors has, for many, fostered a real desire to live life to the full. The economic context is hugely challenging and Covid is still out there, but the task for the travel industry today is to support the bounceback the sector so desperately needs – and to help people to realise their dreams."
 
Meanwhile, Staysure, which specialises in policies for pre-existing medical conditions, has conducted a survey which reported 45% of the 14,800 people quizzed would still choose a beach holiday over any other kind of break. The finding is at odds with other research, including that by Abta, which showed city breaks were now more popular.

Staysure, however, found 17% would choose a European city break and a quarter would visit family or friends abroad.