According to Caxton's 'Travelling during a global pandemic: Part 3' May 2021 Survey, Gen Z and millennial holidaymakers are the most eager to travel “as soon as restrictions ease” – with 1 in 3 planning to treat themselves to a better foreign holiday in 2021, in light of missed sunshine getaways last year. <br> <br> While the fallout of Covid-19 has impacted every industry worldwide, the travel sector was hit particularly heavily. The UK government advised against non-essential travel back on 16 March 2020; followed by a nationwide lockdown, announced on 23 March 2020. Despite what seems like countless tier restrictions, further lockdowns, and the closure of travel corridors since, traveller sentiment among 18-25 year-olds (43%) and 26-35 year-olds (40%) has withstood expectations to remain resilient, with a hopeful outlook on near-future travel. <br> <br> The report, which surveyed more than 11,400 Caxton cardholders, found that overall consumer confidence in international travel remains high. With <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/50-million-doses-of-covid-19-vaccine-administered-in-uk" target="_blank">34 million British citizens vaccinated</a>, ahead of announced changes to travel restrictions, an average of 70% across travellers from all age groups stated that a Covid vaccine will make them “more comfortable” to travel abroad in 2021. <br> <br> However, it is important to note that in our November 2020 Travel Survey, 74% of Caxton’s cardholders aged 65+ were willing to travel if vaccinated. This year, 62% of those aged 65 years or over said having a Covid vaccine would instil confidence in them, to travel during what’s left of the calendar year. A slight decrease, perhaps, owing to the ongoing pandemic seeing second and third waves in some countries across the globe. <br> <br> Looking forward, most of our surveyed Caxton customers also reported a desire to visit the European continent – with Spain and France being the top two most popular choice. Such results coincide with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps’ press conference on Friday 7 May 2021; where he regrettably announced the exclusion of these two destinations on the UK’s green list, as foreign travel is set to somewhat resume under a traffic light system. Yet, there was some hope on the flipside. Our survey reveals that a resounding average of 59% of consumers still saw the appeal of a UK staycation. <br> <br> <br> <br> The Covid-19 pandemic also seems to have shifted consumers’ attitudes towards cash. More than half of Caxton’s customers across all demographics - with 26-35 year-olds peaking at 60% - would opt to go cashless, both abroad and at home. <br> <br> Indeed, many avid holidaymakers appear to be optimistic in the face of further changes. We found that young travellers aren’t put off by the potentially longer queues and precautionary measures, in place at airports. A staggering 70% of 18-25 year-olds and 62% of 26-35 year-olds cited no worries with this. <br> <br> And while it is difficult to predict how the year ahead will unfold in light of the pandemic, it is clear that the British public’s resilience is at an all-time high – with many determined to experience a sense of travel; whether domestically or internationally (within reason). <br> <br> For more insight into the sentiments of holidaymakers in the midst of a pandemic, you can read our 'Travelling during a global pandemic: Part 3’ May 2021 Survey. <br> <br> Looking for up-to-date developments in travel? Our Travel Tracker will re-launch next week, so keep your eyes peeled. And if you’re set to make holiday plans, find out how our Caxton pre-paid travel card is the smarter, cheaper, and safer way for you to spend money abroad.