British holidaymakers are "very keen" to take an overseas holidays this year and are prepared to pay more for it, according to new research from travel insurance specialist AllClear.
According to the company, Brits have become "more aware" about safety and protection when travelling abroad and consumers understand the reasons why they expect to pay more for travel insurance and holidays following the pandemic.
The research found 84% of UK travellers intend to spend more than they did pre-pandemic on a range of items on their holidays to ensure their wellbeing, including insurance and accommodation.
According to AllClear, this is a "significant" rise on the proportion of travellers expecting to pay more in 2021 (72%), despite restrictions easing.
The research also showed the average total amount of potential planned spend per booking went from £597 in 2021 to £727 – an increase of £130 (22%).
The main area where people intended to spend more money was on travel insurance. Almost four in five (79%) respondents planned to spend more than they would have done before the pandemic, with the average amount being £106 more. The proportion has risen by around 12% compared to last year.
Over three-quarters (77%) said they would pay more to stay in a better-quality resort, hotel or apartment (£302 more than pre-pandemic).
There was also a "sharp" rise in the proportion of travellers with underlying health conditions who were prepared to pay more to ensure wellbeing while travelling compared with a year ago, suggesting an increase in awareness among the most vulnerable.
The research showed 80% of these travellers intended to pay more on extra safety measures than they did pre-pandemic, up from 66% a year ago. Three-quarters (75%) said they would pay more than they did in 2019 for travel insurance that covered them for medical conditions, with the average amount being £134 more.
Chris Rolland, chief executive of AllClear Travel, said the research shows consumers are taking their safety "more seriously".
"The fact that so many more people are starting to travel abroad again compared to before the pandemic is great news," he added.
"The pandemic has created a seismic shift in attitude: people are, despite the recent cost-of-living rises, still prepared to spend more on ensuring their safety, are conscious of the potential risks, and are taking the right action in advance to minimise risk."