The vast majority of holidaymakers (85%) are planning to stay closer to home this summer, will opt for self-catering accommodation over hotels and, despite trade predictions, won't be prioritising cleanliness; according to online booking channel Michael Paul Holidays.

The results of this consumer survey will be a much-needed boost to Britain's tourism industry that has been hit hard during this pandemic. With a noticeable shift in the way that people will book, only 18% of UK holidaymakers surveyed would choose to stay in a hotel this year and would instead opt for a caravan, a lodge or self-catering apartment.

Following the easing of lockdown, trade experts had predicted a significant shift of priority when booking to prioritising cleanliness, however this survey found that only 29% of people plan to rank hygiene as an important factor when choosing somewhere to stay.

Michael Paul, Director of Michael Paul Holidays said, “Cleanliness and a commitment to post-Covid safety is of course important to this year's bookers, but there is a perception that UK travel is already safer than overseas and it seems many guests think cleanliness and safety will be a given."

Instead, we are seeing a change in how and why people book, with guests opting for inclusivity (including the family pet), booking later than normal, paying closer attention to booking terms and conditions, and considering a different type of holiday than they normally would.

Our survey respondents highlighted an average £1,342 to spend on this year's trip, with many citing financial shortfalls after cancelled trips this year, and a desire to escape highly populated areas.”

The survey also found that important reasons for booking include the option to cancel with full refund (47%), special offers and discounts (44%), option to postpone (40%) and the ability to get insurance that will cover them in the event of a virus resurgence (34%).

Anecdotally, many respondents added 'dog-friendly' to their list of requirements, the ability to book without a deposit, and a welcome from local residents in the area too.

In terms of activities while in destination, focus has shifted to outdoor leisure pursuits that can be done without interaction, including walking (75%), sightseeing (73%), visiting the beach (73%) and exploring the countryside (63%). The lowest priority activity is attending an event, which just 11% of respondents would consider.

Below is a list of top 10 coastal & countryside homes, both with dog opportunities.

Top 10 Coastal Holiday Homes

Wolf Rock Lizard Lighthouse, Cornwall for sea views and coastal walks
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/wolf-rock-lizard-lighthouse-nr-the-lizard-cornwall

Higher Lodge, Devon part of the Agatha Christie Literary Trail
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/higher-lodge-cockington-nr-torquay-devon

Penveron, Devon
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/penveron-dittisham-devon

Golden Cap Lodge, Dorset
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/3-bedroom-lodge-golden-cap-dorset

Deluxe Beach Hut, Scotland
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/deluxe-beach-hut-with-hot-tub-sauchope-links-park

Dog-friendly Coastal

Westaway, Cornwall for sea views and a private hot tub
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/westaway-portreath-nr-redruth

The Old School, Dorset
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/the-old-school-south-perrott-dorset

7, Four Seasons, Cornwall https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/7-four-seasons-carbis-bay-nr-st-ives-cornwall

The Warren, Norfolk with private hot tub and games room https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/the-warren-old-hunstanton-norfolk

Sea View Eco-Lodge, Scotland
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/3-bedroom-sea-view-lodge-john-ogroats-scotland

Top 10 Countryside Holiday Homes

Chez Marguerite, Norfolk
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/chez-marguerite-high-kelling-norfolk

Highlands Cottage, Gloucestershire
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/highlands-cottage-broadway-cotswolds

Garson's Cottage, Oxfordshire
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/garsons-cottage-idbury-cotswolds

Tissington Cottage, Darwin Lake, Derbyshire
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/tissington-cottage-darwin-lake-holiday-village-nr-matlock-peak-district-national-park

Llyn Golygfa, Wales https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/llyn-golygfa-nr-bala-snowdonia-national-park

Dog-friendly Countryside

Benville Cottage, Dorset 17th century thatched cottage
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/benville-cottage-corscombe-dorset

Keeper's Cottage, Herefordshire with private sauna and home cinema room
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/keepers-cottage-herefordshire

The Signal Box, Norfolk vintage and quirky https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/the-signal-box-melton-constable-norfolk

Bokes Barn, Rural Kent sleeps 12https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/view/property/bokes-barn-nr-hawkhurst-tunbridge-wells-kent

Yorkshire Dales Eco-Lodges, Yorkshire
https://www.michaelpaulholidays.co.uk/resort/yorkshire-dales-eco-lodges

For more information please contact Kelly Ramsay: kelly@aptmarketing.co.uk; 01242 250692 

About Michael Paul Holidays

Michael Paul Holidays is an internet holiday property agency that provides customers with a range of competitively priced breaks in the UK. Differing from other property agents, the Michael Paul Holidays team personally hand-picks properties, assessing them for suitability and to ensure a high-quality range of accommodation. The portfolio only consists of four- and five-star log cabins, cottages and lodges that customers can book for the best price on the market.