Posted 28 Jul 2010

Despite the economic downturn, people are still keen to travel abroad on gap years and holidays, new research shows.

According to a survey by travelsupermarket.com, some 14 per cent of people are more likely to book a trip in the next year than they were six months ago.

Almost half of those questioned said they will definitely be going away at some point over the next year.

Of these, half will be making their travel arrangements between one and four months in advance.

"Holidays are great things to look forward to, so it’s hardly surprising that nearly half of us are definitely planning a getaway in the next year, despite worries over the economy, government cuts and jobs," said travelsupermarket.com spokesman Bob Atkinson.

The survey comes after researchers at Victoria University in Australia found that travelling abroad fulfils the three main elements of happiness in human beings.

Dr Sebastian Filep and his team suggested holidays and gap years could therefore play an important role in treating depression.

Category: General Travel