There has been a rise in out-of-peak last minute enquiries for self-catering holiday cottages in the UK, according to a recent survey.
Research by Independent Cottages, a website dedicated to self-catering holiday cottages in the UK, has revealed that during the first three weeks of January this year, the number of people wanting to get away in January- March increased by 40% in contrast to the same period in 2011.
What is more, of all the enquiries received during the start of 2012, 45% were exclusively for last-minute getaways.
Steve Jarvis, of Independent Cottages, said: “We know that the market is becoming increasingly last minute but what has surprised us is that almost half the enquiries (45%) coming through our site are for short breaks within the first 3 months of the year (January, February and March) rather than for Spring or Summer breaks. It seems that people are reluctant to plan too far ahead, but still want to get away for a short break.”
Independent Cottages reports that the profile of holiday bookings has slowly changed over the years and, where January used to be the month families planned their summer holiday, now this behaviour has altered and more people are leaving it to the last minute for late availability.
Mr Jarvis added: “My advice for owners who have availability for spring and summer 2012 is to hold your nerve and wait. The market is very buoyant, but people are not planning too far ahead.”
