Vast majority of Brits expect to travel abroad again within six months - Skyscanner survey

More than three quarters of UK travellers believe that it will be safe to travel abroad again within six months, according to Skyscanner, the search site founded in Edinburgh in 2003.

A survey released by Skyscanner reveals European optimism about the future of travel, despite the current near lack of movement and uncertainty caused by the global coronavirus emergency. Picture: John Devlin

A survey released by the firm reveals European optimism about the future of travel, despite the current near lack of movement and uncertainty caused by the global coronavirus emergency.

According to the findings, 75 per cent of those surveyed in Europe believe that it will be safe to travel abroad again within six months, dropping to 60 per cent in the Americas and 51 per cent in the Asia Pacific regions, where some restrictions are actually easing.

For UK travellers, the belief that it will be safe to travel again within six months rises to 84 per cent and this is evidenced by a spike in searches slightly further ahead for Christmas travel, the firm noted.

Gavin Harris, commercial director, strategic partnerships at Skyscanner, said: “Travellers and travel providers are facing an undefined period of unprecedented uncertainty. Our Travel Insight data reflects this with travel interest and demand down across the board.

“Comparative analysis of the top searched destinations in the run up to the UK lockdown being announced reveals long-haul destinations replaced popular European Easter destinations particularly in Spain.

“This is likely due to people returning to their home countries and is supported by a large increase in the share of one-way travel from the UK throughout March.

“But there is optimism for future, with over three quarters of UK travellers believing that it will be safe to travel abroad again within six months. It’s too early to assess the impact of the updated FCO guidance issued this week and uncertainty will remain until there is clarity on when travel bans will be lifted.”

Skyscanner was acquired by Chinese giant Ctrip Group in 2016 in a deal valued at some £1.4 billion.