Thrifty over-fifties enjoying record number of UK short-breaks

Debt-free 50-somethings are having the times of their lives - with record numbers planning to head off for romantic weekends this year, according to research by Holiday Inn.

While the younger generations are struggling to escape from beneath a mountain of debt, over-50s have more disposable income than ever before.

Having made a decent profit in the recent property boom, with mortgages paid off and with the kids having flown the nest, the older generation are enjoying the fruits of their labour.

The trend came to light amid a survey by Holiday Inn which revealed three out of four couples over the age over 50 are planning four or more 'romantic breaks' this year compared to one per year when they were in their forties.

Over the last five years the numbers of over 50s heading off for weekends away has grown steadily.

From the years 2005 to 2007 there was a 25 per cent increase in the number of golden oldies heading off on weekend breaks. And according to a recent survey, figures are expected to increase in 2008.

The study of almost 4,000 Holiday Inn customers also showed that older couples now spend around £1,363 a year on breaks within the UK's shores.

It comes in the wake of an industry report which showed a significant increase in the number of Brits taking weekend breaks - up from 56 per cent in 2006 to 73 per cent last year.

Yesterday Chris Hale, spokesman for Holiday Inn, said: ''By fifty most people have paid off their mortgage, their kids have left home and all of a sudden they have enormous freedoms they haven't enjoyed for years.

''While people in their 30s and 40s are tied down with debts and family life, the over-50s are packing their bags and heading off for romantic weekends, with great big grins on their faces. There's been a huge surge in the popularity of weekend leisure breaks in the UK. In 2006 just over half of us took a weekend break - last year this had shot to almost three quarters. And the over-50s are travelling and spending more than anyone else.

''The idea this generation is following their kids backpacking around Thailand and Vietnam is a huge myth. What they're really doing is exploring the wonderful treasures on our own doorstep. Although they're keen on short city breaks across Europe, what they really love is driving a couple of hours from home, checking into one of our hotels and using it as a base camp to explore.''

Other facts revealed by the Holiday Inn survey include:

- 64 % of the people polled hailed breaks as one of the reasons for their lasting happiness together.

- 45% of those polled had already taken early retirement and 42 per cent said they were enjoying quality time together now the children had left.

- More than half of couples are more romantic with each other than ever before.

- Two thirds said a weekend away is all it takes to keep a relationship interesting and exciting - with 73% admitting they felt closer when away from home.

- A third of couples said they looked forward to their romantic weekends away so much that they would invest in new underwear to treat their other half

Chris Hale added: ''It's not just our wonderful country they're exploring - they're also rediscovering their own relationships. As the research suggests there's nothing quite like a weekend away to rekindle that old magic.''

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Smith
EMEA Communications
Tel:      + 44 (0) 1753 410 346
Email:  [email protected]

Suzanne Seyghal
PR Manager EMEA
Tel:       +44 (0) 1753 410 247
Email:  [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

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