IT’LL BE LONELY THIS CHRISTMAS

New research reveals Brits’ desire to escape extended families this December 

• New research by HomeExchange reveals 39% of Brits have chosen to spend Christmas Day by themselves
• 42% admit spending Christmas on holiday alone sounds far more appealing than spending the day with extended family
• 30% of Brits would love to go on a solo holiday this Christmas 

Travelling alone has surged in popularity over the years. Be it a mini break or a long-haul holiday, Brits are getting joy from seeking out the comfort and solitude of their own company whilst away, and new research by HomeExchange* shows this doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas… In fact, quite the opposite! As the prospect of family members from near and far descending upon us gets ever closer, we can reveal that 30% of Brits say they would love to go on a solo holiday over the festive season, whilst almost one in 10 (9%) admit they have previously relished embarking on a Christmas trip by themselves.

This new research also reveals that 39% of Brits have chosen to spend Christmas Day by themselves and a shocking 42% have also fantasised about spending Christmas on holiday, admitting that it sounds FAR more appealing than having to spend it with their extended family.

HomeExchange data** also shows a global increase of 119% for solo holiday exchange requests compared to last year, and in London alone, requests for spending the Christmas holidays flying solo are up a staggering 253% annually. Finalised and booked solo Christmas exchanges have also increased by 72% globally and 133% for members based in London.

Jessica Poillucci, PR Manager for HomeExchange said: “We’re finding that more and more HomeExchange members are seeking solo trips away this Christmas and we’re hoping that our research showing a third of people wanting to embrace a solo holiday this winter helps to normalise going away alone. Not just at Christmas, but any time of the year.”

* Research conducted by Censuswide on 13^th November 2023 with 2,000 UK respondents

** Based on HomeExchange exchanges occurring over Christmas Day, requested or finalised by November 14^th 2023 compared to similar exchanges requested or finalised by November 14^th 2022