Holidays and short breaks away set to be main spending priority for British over 55s in 2013
Holidays will be the main spending priority for the over 55s next year according to a recent behaviour and travel survey from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
While the study shows that this age group are most positive about spending their cash on a vacation in 2013, the 18-34 age group highlighted saving for a new home or loan repayments as their main priority while mortgage repayments and home improvements were of most importance to those aged between 35-54 years.
Commenting on the findings, David Trunkfield, partner at PwC, explained: “The elderly and retired are the most positive about spending on holidays next year. Consumers have also eased back a little from some of the more radical ‘coping strategies’ they have adopted to reduce holiday spending over the past three years.”
Interestingly, the PwC survey data discovered that the majority of those asked explained that they would prefer to reduce spending on clothes, shoes, takeaways and dining out if it meant they could still take a main vacation or short break.
Danny Silver, MD of ‘active living’ development for the over 50s, The Villages Group, France remarks,
“It’s remarkable to see just how much emphasis we Brits put on holidays and breaks away. It’s not really surprising considering the poor British weather and stressful lives we lead.
“The same attitude is also apparent in the over 55s it seems. Retirees have actually become wealthier over the past 30 years according to The Office of National Statistics (ONS); however British pensioners have been hit on their incomes – despairing at low annuity rates and food and bill costs rising above inflation.
“With this in mind many over 55s next year should look to make their holiday aboard a bit more permanent and relocate to South West France – the perfect way to relieve money woes and benefit from cheaper living costs and much needed sunshine!”
For those contemplating a move overseas, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France could provide the answer. The Languedoc is one of the most visited parts of south west France often chosen for its climate, coast and countryside and as a result of Languedoc’s popularity, The Villages Group have just opened their first active living resort ‘Village’ for those over 50 to enjoy at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems.
The Villages Group provide a village community of around 107 villas on the banks of the Canal du Midi. This village affords full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment programmes, perfect for living an active and fulfilling life within a community of like-minded individuals.
The Villages Group is now open for business. For more information on off plan sales please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.