Poll finds desire to travel abroad undimmed

stioned in a major poll plan to travel overseas on their next holiday despite the deepening recession.

A survey of 20,430 members of online private travel club Voyage Privé found that 88% intend to head abroad in 2012.

Just 12% said they would be staying in the UK for their next break, while 71% are looking to travel beyond typically popular short haul destinations, according to the company.

More than 90% of Voyage Privé's sales are for foreign holidays, with the Canary Islands the most popular destination this year. The site has also seen increasing demand for cruise holidays and mid-haul destinations such as Dubai.

UK managing director John Bevan said: “Our best sellers over the last 12 months have been city breaks, but over 40% of our bookings are for mid and long haul destinations.

“Our research confirms that foreign holidays are still hugely important to people, but now more than ever they are looking for value for money. Our customers are keen to save money but don't want to compromise on quality.”

Launched in the UK 18 months ago, the company, which offers discounts of up to 70%, has seen membership grow by 50% in the la