Skyscanner’s latest Horizon report reveals European travellers are planning their holidays further in advance, with 13% booking between 60 and 89 days prior to travel, and more than a third – 37% – more than 90 days prior to travel. Both stats are up 1% year-on-year.
However, the ongoing cost of living squeeze is having an impact, with the latest Skyscanner data showing people are more readily opting to holiday for less time – and closer to home.
More than half of Europeans (53%) are choosing to explore their own backyards this summer – up 4% year-on-year – with Spain and Greece proving particularly popular.
Bangkok has taken the crown for the most sought-after long-haul destination, followed by New York and Sydney, with the average trip length for these destinations coming in at between 11 and 15 days.
Meanwhile, as travellers continue to feel the pinch, short-haul stay lengths have remained flat year-on-year at between five to seven days, while long-haul stays have reduced in length by one to two days year-on-year.
"While traditional seasonality is returning and popular destinations remain in demand, travellers are also seeking value and exploring options closer-to-home,” said Skyscanner head of destination partnerships Zeynep Mutlu Bigali.
“Across Skyscanner’s platforms we have seen incredible demand at the start of the year and we expect this to continue as we head into the summer, especially in regions such as Europe, North America and North Asia."
