2010 will be a record year for travel websites

·      15.1% of people more likely to use the internet to book holidays in 2010 vs. 2009

·      8.8% more likely to go on ‘staycation’ in the UK

·      Price, transparency and innovation drive growth

More and more people are planning to use the internet to research and book their holidays in 2010 compared to 2009, attracted by independent product reviews and reduced prices. With an increasing number of families feeling the pinch in the UK it is hardly a surprise that people are spending longer looking for the best deals and making sure that their holidays deliver exactly what they are looking for.

“The internet is a powerful tool when it comes to big purchases like holidays” says Stephen Rapoport who founded Crashpadder.com in 2008. “Aside from generally lower prices people can read hundreds of impartial reviews on locations, hotels and airlines, as well as compare packages directly. It’s a level of transparency which traditional travel agents simply can’t offer.”

Research carried out by Crashpadder.com, the accommodation network which offers space in people’s homes as cheap alternatives to hotels,  shows that people will be increasingly inclined to research and book their trips online this year, and more of us will be staying in the UK. (See attached figures).

“Already we’re seeing strong growth for bookings in 2010” says Rapoport. “Most of our customers are leisure travellers booking staycations in the UK, but we’re seeing growth in international bookings also. I put this not only down to the recession but also environmental factors. Domestic holidays usually mean no air travel and a greatly reduced carbon footprint.”