Holiday preparation shrinks to 3 days post Covid

Millions of travelers admit they are now cramming their holiday preparations into just days – fearing Covid could derail them at the last minute.

A study of 2,000 travelers found that before the pandemic, the average holidaymaker spent three months planning, packing and preparing for their trip before departing.

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But 42 percent admit they are now putting off vacation preparations until the last minute, despite being super organized in the days leading up to the pandemic.

And 31 percent are stuffing everything into the final few days, with 43 percent fearing it will be canceled before they actually get on the plane.

Almost seven in 10 are concerned they will catch Covid in the 10 days leading up to it, with 33 per cent confident they will get it before walking away.

And half think they’ll jinx things if they start organizing ahead of time.

The study was commissioned by Medicspot, which provides Covid-19 recovery certificates [https://www.medicspot.co.uk/recovery-certificate] to travel.

A spokesman said: “Holidays have been a novelty for such a long time – people are anxious until the very last day before travelling.

“However, Brits certainly have an appetite to go on holiday after the pandemic, with the majority willing to plan ahead to ensure they have the safest possible trip.”

The study found that printing travel documents, keeping passports current and arranging travel were among the top priorities for adults when planning vacations.

A third also said checking their travel destination’s Covid restrictions is a key priority for them before going abroad, while 25 per cent make sure they arrange their Covid tests and certificates of recovery.

However, almost one in five adults has been on vacation without purchasing travel insurance or worrying about the correct exchange rate.

One in ten admits they haven’t even considered getting to their accommodation.

But no matter how hard they prepare, a third says there’s always mishap.

It also found that 72 percent of adults think vacations need to be carefully planned, with 82 percent believing people need to act now to change their plans.

When it comes to booking international travel, one in five feel completely confident booking a holiday regardless of Covid, with 29 per cent still interested in going on holiday despite concerns about the virus.

However, 24 percent will avoid booking international travel until they feel safe.

Medicspot’s spokesperson added: “Despite the easing of restrictions, there is a sense of preparation among people to ensure they have the safest holiday.

“The pandemic and Covid have only escalated this, with tests and certificates of recovery a key priority on people’s holiday list.

“But the current climate shouldn’t stop people from having the journey of a lifetime, especially after a few intense years of the pandemic.”

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