Overseas holidays have enjoyed over a decade of uninterrupted volume growth to reach an estimated 46.2 million trips in 2007, as an estimated 45% of Britons took at least one holiday abroad. As economic storm clouds gather Mintel expects 2008 overseas growth to slow to below 2%, whilst domestic volume continues to fall gradually.

However, despite the possibility of short-term setback, the key growth factors of recent years – long-haul trips, independent travel, and speciality holidays – remain firmly in place.

As British holidaymakers become more travel-savvy and independent, it is customers themselves who will spark innovation in tomorrow’s market. This report investigates a number of hot travel potatoes and consumers’ emotional drivers such as agelessness, authenticity, slow travel, eco travel guilt and the need for contrast.

This report examines the holiday habits of British adults aged 16 and over. ‘Holidays’ can take place in the UK or abroad, but must constitute at least one overnight stay.