When it comes to gearing up for our holidays, research from Gatwick Airport today reveals the recession is temporarily forgotten as spend is not being squeezed. Three quarters (76%) of Brits are spending the same or more on purchases in preparation for their holiday this year – and a third of British holiday makers (30%) are spending £200 or more.

The research, which looks at how Brits spend ahead of their holidays, also found one in three (30%) Brits start to shop a whole month ahead of their holiday, one in five women (21%) claim to spend three months before a trip and almost one in ten (8%) begin filling their suitcase up to six months before they leave.  It’s no wonder then that more than a third of women (40%) have at some point bought more than they can fit in their holiday bag.

However, it’s the moment the door closes behind us that the ‘holiday wallet’ comes out. 40% get the holiday high the minute they leave for the airport and a third (30%) of Brits deliberately arrive at the airport with enough time to bag some pre-holiday bargains. Already in the holiday spirit, 44% admit to treating themselves, one in five (19%) say they buy more luxurious items than usual and it appears we also leave our inhibitions at security, with a fifth (18%) revealing that they buy brighter colours or more daring clothes when at the airport.

Jasmine Birtles, Financial Expert & Gatwick Airport Advisory panel says: ‘Gatwick Airport’s research shows how we like to treat ourselves in the run-up to our holidays but there are simple ways to save too so you don’t blow your budget! My top tips include pre-ordering your currency or using a pre-paid credit card abroad so you don’t get stung on exchange rates – that way it’s all at the airport ready for collection, you benefit from preferential rates and it saves you a trip to the high street!  I would also advise savvy shoppers to take advantage of the bargains that can be found at the airport as there are incredible tax-free savings and exclusive offers to be had.’

For more pre-holiday saving tips from Jasmine visit: www.gatwickairport.com/shoppingeating/shopping/

The top ten buys for Brits at the airport are:
Items
% who buy at the airport
Books & magazines - 32%
Food - 27%
Perfume - 31%
Toblerone/Sweets - 24%
Toiletries - 22%
Alcohol - 21%
Make-up - 15%
Clothes - 8%
Sunglasses - 8%
Watches - 8%

Some of the favourite items Brits have bought at the airport in a single spend include – six handbags, a Breitling watch, a Sat Nav, a Tiffany ring, wellington boots, a dog basket, binoculars, a Paddington Bear, maple syrup, a gameboy and some Christmas decorations.

Spencer Sheen, Head of Retail at Gatwick Airport says: ‘We’ve been busy reinvigorating our retail areas and expanding the range of brands and products that we offer our passengers so there really is something for everyone - whether its finding that perfect present or treating yourself to something special.

“Tax-free savings mean we can offer great deals, not just on the holiday staples like perfume, toblerone, bikini’s and sarongs, but also on exclusive items that you just can’t buy on the high street. Passengers travelling within the EU can also leave their discounted purchases with Gatwick’s free Shop & Drop service and pick them up on their return, if they so wish.’