Study Reveals Spontaneous Travel Key Motivator for Traveler Intentions

2 years ago
Categories: Trends

The ultimate post-pandemic holiday happiness boost revealed as spontaneous travel as almost two thirds (61%) of UK survey participants saying that the events of the last two years have made them want to be more spontaneous
Acclaimed psychologist Emma Kenny reveals that travelling spontaneously can reduce stress and anxiety and introduces a level of playfulness into day-to-day life
A third of respondents (32%) have booked a trip to a destination they know nothing about, revealing spontaneous and flexible holidays as the new travel norm
Around two thirds of the UK (62%) consider themselves to be spontaneous and 32% have previously arrived at an airport without a destination in mind and booked there and then
Analysis of bookings made on Skyscanner show that booking 2 weeks before travelling can be up to 44% cheaper than booking 12 weeks from departure**

Following some two-and-a-half years of pandemic travel restrictions, Skyscanner last week revealed the latest research into the psychology behind spontaneity and the benefits of spontaneous travel in association with esteemed psychologist, Emma Kenny.

The pandemic's effect on travel spontaneity:

Savvy UK travellers have long taken pride in being adventurous at heart with two thirds of respondents (62%) considering themselves spontaneous. But the last two-and-a-half years have knocked their spontaneous streak with 61% agreeing that the pandemic limited their ability to be spontaneous. Just under two thirds (61%) of respondents say that the pandemic has made them want to be even more spontaneous, and 29% specifically called out travel as an area of life in which they want to do that.

Spontaneous and flexible holidays the new travel norm:

Over a third of respondents (32%) have booked a trip to a destination they know nothing about, revealing spontaneous and flexible holidays as the new travel norm. 34% have arrived at an airport without a destination in mind and booked there and then to get away. 36% of respondents have previously booked a spontaneous holiday with a third (34%) stating that it felt more exciting.

Spontaneous trips the most popular bookings on Skyscanner – bookings made 7 – 29 days before departure date have increased by 12% since pre-pandemic
Bookings made 1 week before departure date have also increased by 14% since 2019
UK travellers embraced spontaneity this summer with spontaneous trips booked 1 week before departure spiking to 15% of all bookings in July

Spontaneity good for the mind and wallet:

Skyscanner's flight pricing data shows that being flexible with where and when you travel is the key to unlocking the best prices. With 10 billion prices searched every single day, an 'Everywhere' search on Skyscanner for October reveals great value flights from as little as £17 to Europe this weekend.

Analysis of bookings made on Skyscanner show that booking 2 weeks before travelling can be up to 44% cheaper than booking 12 weeks from departure**

Emma, an NHS worker in her mid-thirties swears by the benefits of spontaneous holidays:

“Work is busy and demanding and I need time on holiday that is just for me where I can please myself. Most of the time, I only book my trips a few weeks before I go, and I spend the minimum amount of time possible booking.

“I definitely prefer to just get on with booking a trip and make it happen. I don't like getting lost in over-researching and over-preparing. It's easy to go down the rabbit hole, which could stop me from booking altogether!”

The benefits of spontaneous travel according to psychologist Emma Kenny:

“One common stress is the decision making involved in the holiday planning process. This is why forgoing the methodical organisation that so often goes hand in hand with a planned holiday and instead choosing to enjoy an impromptu break can be so liberating.

“Nothing is quite as thrilling as seeing a new place for the first time, and the excitement and instant gratification that comes with that.

“Whilst it may seem scary to just pack a bag and hop on a plane to take a chance on an unknown destination, you will psychologically benefit as this creates a 'can do' attitude and will remind you of the limitless possibilities that are out there. And because you have no clear set agenda, or plans, every step you take will involve a sense of adventure which is truly freeing.”

View a summaty of the study here.

*Research conducted with OnePoll in August 2022 with sample of 1,000 UK respondents

**Analysis of booking (redirects) as made on Skyscanner for economy class, return travel made on Skyscanner for departures between September December 2022