We've taken a look at storm seasons around the world, highlighting when they are at their worst in popular holiday destinations and would be best avoided by UK holidaymakers.

Storm Franklin, the third named storm in a week, has battered parts of the UK with torrential rain and strong winds. However, while we’re fairly familiar with our own weather patterns and when we’re most likely to be hit by adverse weather, storm seasons differ depending on where you are in the world and this is a consideration for those of us looking to jet off on holiday.

For example, those planning a holiday to Western Mexico would be advised to avoid what we would consider the start of the summer season, with tropical storms in the Northeast Pacific beginning in late may or early June and running right through to November. Although late August to early September is when they are at their worst.

Across destinations such as Florida and the Caribbean, tropical storms are also most frequent from June to November but usually peak mid-September. 

The Northwest Pacific region is a popular destination with holidaymakers, but you’re most susceptible to storm activity when visiting countries such as Hong Kong, the Philippines and Vietnam between July and November and particularly towards the end of August and start of November. 

In the North Indian Ocean storms are frequent from April right through until December, although the most severe events often peak in both May and November, meaning it’s best to avoid a trip to popular destinations such as India, Sri Lanka  and Bangladesh during these months. 

In contrast, storm seasons across the Southwest Indian Ocean, the Southeast Indian Ocean, the Australian Basin and the Southwest Pacific largely run from November through until May. 

Locations such as Mauritius and Bali are best avoided during a double peak in stormy weather during January and February, while Northern Australia, Fiji and Vanuatu tend to see their worst peaks during late February and early March. 

 hoo Co-founder, Adrian Murdock, commented:

“Over the last week, we’ve unfortunately witnessed the sheer chaos and destruction Mother Nature can cause first hand and the only positive we can take is that these types of weather events are fairly few and far between in the UK. 

Elsewhere around the world, they can be much more frequent and ferocious, but the danger they present differs depending on where you visit and when. 

Long-haul holidays to idyllic destinations can be costly and so many holidaymakers may be tempted by the greater affordability on offer during these unsettled seasons. But it’s certainly not worth the gamble as the cost can be much higher than a few days sulking about a lack of sunshine.”

Information on varying storm seasons sourced from the National Weather Service and Weather Stem.

Holidaymakers warned against visiting these destinations due to storm dangers

Our latest research has found that London sits second only to New York, when it comes to the highest level of luxury hotels on offer to holidaymakers. 

hoo analysed the estimated number of five-star hotels and their average nightly room rate across 15 of the world’s coolest cities, to see which was home to the largest levels of luxury accommodation for those looking for a stylish stay. 

The research shows that there are some 116 five-star hotels located in London, making it by far one of the most luxurious cities to visit, at least where top draw hotel accommodation is concerned.

In fact, just one other city was home to more than 100 five-star hotels and that’s New York. With an estimated 123 luxury hotels found across the Big Apple, it’s the only city to sit above London in the table when it comes to availability.

Paris (87), Miami (67) and Dubai (66) also rank within the top five but sit someway off the pace set by the two frontrunners. 

hoo also looked at the average nightly room rate for a five-star hotel across each global city with the research showing it will cost you an average of £322 per night. 

Paris will set you back the most, with a five-star hotel costing a huge £570 per night on average. 

Monte Carlo is also one of the most expensive cities for a luxury hotel stay, with the average room rate coming in at £511 per night. 

Los Angeles is the only other city where the cost of a five-star hotel averages more than £500 per night (£504). 

At £353 per night, London sits mid-table, offering a more affordable five-star experience than Milan (£488), Miami (£444), Geneva ($431) and New York (£400).

Dubai is home to the most affordable five-star hotel room rate at just £137 per night, marginally cheaper than Sydney (£138). 

hoo Co-founder, Adrian Murdock, commented:

“London is among the greatest cities in the world and is home to some of the finest hotels available. 

What might surprise you is that a luxury stay in the capital could actually cost you substantially less compared to a number of other global city hotspots. 

So while we’ve seen travel restrictions ease in recent weeks, why not do your bit for the UK tourism sector and make London your city of choice for a luxury weekend getaway.”

Average nightly room rate based on a trip to five-star hotels for one room and two adults. Data sourced from hoo, Booking.com and Expedia. Five-star hotel stock levels sourced from Five-Star Alliance.

London ranks second for five star hotel availability

A study of 2,000 adults into the attitudes of Brits and Valentine’s mini breaks found nearly half of men (43 per cent) feel the location of a hotel is important compared to just 35 per cent of women.

While women preferred good reviews (44 per cent) and a reasonable price (51 per cent) to a romantic location. Other important factors for a love-in weekend also include a big bath, a large bed - and soundproofed walls. 

But chivalrous men feel it’s down to them to book the trip, rather than leave it to their female partners. Half of the women polled agreed the cost of Valentine’s Day should be shared between a couple while only 36 per cent of men agree.

Nearly double the number of men in heterosexual relationships believe it is up to them to decide where to go on the trip (23 per cent) than women (12 per cent). But 58 per cent of men see 14 February as a day to treat their significant other like a king or queen while only 49 per cent of women agree with the sentiment.

The study, commissioned by hoo, also found three times as many men (14 per cent) as women (four per cent) said the best part of being away for a romantic break is sex in a different location.

Other important aspects included the opportunity for no sound limits on making noise in the bedroom, as well as a weekend of no housework.

Meanwhile, as a renowned nation of dog lovers, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) would bring their pet pooch along on a romantic break with their partner.

While nearly a third (29 per cent) would be willing to splash out between £251-£500 on the perfect Valentine’s Day trip, and 42 per cent consider two nights to be the perfect length of time to spend with their loved one.

It also emerged romantic Brits would only wait a year into a relationship before going all-out for Valentine’s Day with more than a fifth (22 per cent) believing that's the right time for a no expense-spared trip.

A third feel it’s embarrassing to barter for better value when booking a romantic hotel break but 28 per cent would expect a hotel they’re staying at for Valentine's Day to gift a free bottle of champagne.

“It’s heartening to hear British men understand the importance of treating their partner to a romantic trip away - even if they want to bring their dog along too. There are masses of amazing deals out there and bartering for a dream break is far easier than shy Brits realise. Especially when there’s a much longed-for weekend away from the housework on the cards. Even better, if it’s a room with soundproofed walls!”

The study also saw Venice named the top Valentine’s Day location (17 per cent), followed by the luxurious Seychelles (16 per cent).

The Lake District came in at number three (12 per cent) beating the likes of Tahiti, Rio de Janeiro and Kyoto.

But a UK-based trip is overwhelmingly on the cards this year with only 18 per cent planning a break overseas.

Brits also revealed their worst Valentine’s weekend experiences with a partner which included hotel staff barging into the bedroom during a romantic moment and getting dumped. Others told of their partner getting punched by a man at the next table in the hotel restaurant who thought he was looking down his girlfriend’s cleavage and arguments with their other half.

What's your dream Valentine getaway experience? Let us know on Insta or tweet us @justhooit, and don’t forget to check out how to make an offer on a hotel room with hoo to get the best possible deal for your romantic trip - whoever is footing the bill.

A romantic hotel location is more important to men than women, according to research

Our latest research shows that while the global hotel industry is set to bounce back in 2022, it still remains some way away from returning to pre-pandemic health. 

The latest market outlook from IBIS World estimates that the market size of the global hotel sector is set to hit just over $1trn in 2022. 

This marks a 47% year on year increase and the first positive movement since the start of the pandemic, which saw this market size decline by -39% in 2020 and a further -22% in 2021. 

However, despite this expected uplift, the total global market value will still sit 30% below the pre-pandemic level of $1.5trn.

The data also shows that the number of hotels and resorts operating in the sector is set to climb by 19% in 2022, although again, this remains marginally below 2019 levels having declined steadily during the pandemic. 

Our analysis of the sector also looked at the estimated revenue per hotel in the global sector based on market size ($) and the number of hotels operating within it. 

Individual revenues fell -32% in 2020 and by a further -17% the following year to just $1.28m per hotel, the lowest level since 2021. While hoo estimates that this figure will climb by 24% to $1.59m in 2022, it also remains -30% below the pre-pandemic revenues seen in 2019. 

“We seem to have finally turned a corner where pandemic travel uncertainty is concerned and there are high hopes that 2022 will be a far more settled year for the global travel industry. 

However, we’re unlikely to see a full return to health and the expectation is that the industry will remain below pre-pandemic performance levels well in to 2023. 

Regardless, many will simply be relieved that they are operational and welcoming holidaymakers back so that they can at least start to repair the damage done by Covid-19.”

Data on global hotel market share and number of hotels sourced from IBIS World. Average revenue per hotel sourced from hoo.

Global hotel sector set to bounce back in 2022 but will remain off the pre-pandemic pace

Our latest research has provided further proof that foreign holidays could be back on the cards in 2022, as the removal of testing requirements for UK holidaymakers boosts positive sentiment to its highest point in the last year. 

hoo’s Intent to Travel Index has been monitoring UK holidaymaker sentiment since January 2021 and the latest index shows that our intent to travel is at its highest point in the last year - up 8% month on month and 20% annually.

The previous index carried out in December revealed that just a quarter of holidaymakers planned to book a holiday overseas within the next year, as the spread of Omicron brought a fresh wave of pandemic uncertainty to the UK travel sector. 

However, hoo’s latest index shows that this has since climbed to 32%, following the UK government’s moves to scrap all testing requirements for UK holidaymakers. 

This increase is no doubt partly due to the considerable cost saving now that we no longer have to fork out for travel testing. 

hoo’s research shows that in August last year, a holiday to Spain (Madrid) cost an average of £384 for a week’s holiday. 

However, a further £91 was required for fully vaccinated travellers to cover the cost of a rapid antigen test in order to return home, as well as a day two PCR after arrival, at a total cost of £475.

With the same holiday now costing an average of £351 for the week, the removal of UK travel test requirements has reduced the cost of this trip by -26%. 

“It’s still too early to say for sure, but it does appear as though the dark clouds of pandemic uncertainty that have been hanging over the UK travel sector are starting to clear for good. 

The removal of travel testing has certainly helped and we should now see a notable increase in the number of us choosing to holiday abroad in the coming year. 

This is largely due to the cost factor as the average family will now save a considerable sum of money and there’s no doubt that this additional financial hurdle was preventing many from travelling previously. 

Of course, there may well be testing requirements in order to enter your holiday destination of choice, so make sure you are aware of these and the costs involved before booking to avoid any potential disappointment.”

Survey of 1,005 UK holidaymakers commissioned by hoo via consumer research platform, FindOutNow, 25th January 2022. Testing requirements and holiday costs sourced from Which, hoo and Expedia.

Intent to travel surges following scrapping of holiday test requirements

For those building their travel bucket list, our latest research has revealed how much it costs to visit each of the New Seven Wonders of the World to take in some of the most amazing sights the globe has to offer. 

The original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, such as Colossus of Rhodes and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, are well-known. However, of the seven, only the Great Pyramid of Giza is still in existence. That’s why, in more recent years, a modern list of wonders has been created, places that are still standing today and which match the incredible majesty of their predecessors. 

But where are the new wonders? And how much does it cost to travel and see them in-person?

hoo looked at the cost of visiting each of these modern day wonders based on a two week trip for two, including flights and accommodation. 

Christ the Redeemer, a 125ft Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the most expensive wonder to visit. hoo’s research shows that the cost of both flights and accommodation for two adults comes in at £1,253, or £90 per person, per night. 

Chichén Itzá is a large, pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people, located in the contemporary Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State, Mexico - perhaps best known for its Temple of Kukulcán. A trip to Yucatán for two people to check out Chichén Itzá comes in at £1,091 for a two week stay, or £78 per person, per night.

Visiting Machu Picchu, in the Cusco Region of Peru will set you back £1,033; the Great Wall of China can be ticked off your travel list for £987; while Petra, the remarkable city carved into a sheer cliff face which dates from 300 B.C, will cost you £911 to visit. 

Visiting India’s Taj Mahal costs an average of £887, while a trip to the Giza Pyramids in Egypt comes in at  £842. 

However, for those wanting to see a modern wonder of the world on a budget, the Colosseum in Rome is your best bet. 

The Roman amphitheatre was completed in 80 AD, almost 2,000 years ago, with a trip for two coming in at £681 for flights and accommodation - that’s just £49 per person, per night. 

“For many of us, sitting on the beach soaking up the sun is our happy place, but the world has a wealth of extraordinary and awe-inspiring sights to offer beyond its beautiful beaches.

Some of humankind's most impressive architectural and artistic feats are still standing today and they really do have to be seen to be believed. So for those keen to make the most of post-pandemic trips abroad, what better place to start than the New Seven Wonders of the World if you really want something worthwhile for your social feeds?”

Average price data sourced from hoo, Expedia, Kayak, and Last Minute.  New wonders of the world data sourced from Britannica, and N7W.

Seven Wonders of the World - which are the most affordable for a post-pandemic travel binge

Our latest research reveals how our love for sharing holiday snaps on social media could attract more than a few likes and comments while we’re away, as one in ten of us also share details about where we live as well as our homes, leaving us open to a greater risk of being burgled. 

Leaving our homes empty while we jet away for some sun, sea and sand is always a risk and it comes as no surprise that a previous study by Verisure revealed that almost half of all burglaries occur when the occupants are away.

Many of us also take the longest breaks during the summer months, and from June to August there is a 10% spike in home burglaries compared to the rest of the year.

Now, the latest figures from hoo reveal that some holiday makers could be increasing the chance of being burgled by sharing their holiday snaps on social media while they’re still away. 

84% of those surveyed admitted that they share snaps of their holiday on social media platforms while they’re still on holiday, leaving just 16% who wait until they’ve returned home.

What’s more, one in ten of us also share social posts of our homes and the area we live in, making us a prime target for potential break ins.

With many of us also sharing snaps inside our homes, we could be broadcasting the valuable items that might be left unguarded such as jewellery, watches, tech and even our cars. 

“Social media platforms can be great but our online activity can be accessed by all manner of people if we aren’t savvy when it comes to our privacy settings. 

You never know who might be watching, so broadcasting the fact you’re away for a week or two can be risky, especially if you tend to share other aspects of your life such as where you live, what you drive or the valuable items you have within the home. 

So before you upload that poolside selfie, take a minute to think and if you don’t know everyone that is able to view it, or you’re not 100% it can’t be found or shared publicly, perhaps it’s better to hold off until you get home.”

Survey of 1,219 UK population carried out by hoo via consumer research platform Find Out Now (12th January 2022).

The real danger of holiday snaps and uploading online while away

Our most recent research has revealed what holidaymakers consider the most embarrassing traits about Brits abroad, as 2022 looks set to be the year that foreign holidays could be back on the cards.

Last week, the government announced it would scrap the requirement to take a COVID test before returning to the UK from abroad and while many other nations still have varying levels of travel restrictions and requirements in place, the news will be warmly welcomed by the UK travel and tourism industry. 

However, Brits abroad don’t have the best reputation and now hoo has revealed which traits of the typical British holidaymaker make us cringe the most when we head away on our holidays. 

So hoo asked UK holidaymakers - what do you find most embarrassing about Brits abroad when on holiday?

While we all like a drink, excessive drinking topped the list suggesting that beer for breakfast, lunch and dinner is not a good look while away. 

The classic attempts to communicate by shouting louder in English rather than learning the local language also makes us wince with embarrassment, while rowdy groups of lads and ladies singing football songs while out on the town was also up there with the worst traits.

Union Jack clothing and sticking to British food ranked high, while a more recent phenomenon also made the list - aspiring Instagram influencers. Those of us who spend hours on end photographing our food or capturing the perfect beachside selfie for our social feeds is a newfound source of embarrassment to other Brits. 

Other British holiday traits that we hate to see include playing loud music in public places, wearing swimwear when not at the beach or pool, and having our sunburnt bodies constantly on show. 

“Things are certainly starting to look up for the travel and tourism sector and fingers crossed that 2022 is the year we see the return of foreign holidays. The government’s decision to scrap the testing requirement on return to the UK will certainly help and no doubt many of us are already dreaming of a warm beach during the long cold month of January. 

As welcome as the Brits most certainly are when we go abroad,  perhaps we’re also ready to do away with some of those more embarrassing traits that we’ve become notorious for while visiting foreign lands.”

Survey of 1,025 UK population carried out by hoo via consumer research platform Find Out Now (6th January 2021).

These are the most embarrassing things about Brits abroad

Our latest research reveals where the world’s best January holiday destinations can be found, based on weather, activities, affordability, and local COVID-19 travel restrictions. 

One sure-fire way of beating the January blues is to pack up and take off on a winter holiday, but with so many countries to choose from and each with such varied travel restrictions, where is the best place to take a holiday this January?

For many, sunshine and warm weather are essential for a January holiday, making destinations like Australia, India, and Vietnam popular choices. But these countries are among those that  continue to have restrictive travel rules in place, making a visit either impossible or highly inconvenient.

Instead, holiday goers might want to consider visiting Sri Lanka. With dry, sunny days, many say that this is the very best time to visit the South-Asian island and take advantage of the golden beaches and welcoming seas. A stay in the capital city, Colombo, costs an average of £65 per person, per night, and with access granted upon proof of vaccination and negative test results, Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations for some January sunshine. 

Despite January being a winter month in Mexico, the weather is typically dry and plenty warm enough to enjoy the glorious beaches. January is also the perfect time for wildlife lovers, not least those wanting to see the migrating whales around the country’s coast. A trip to Cancun, on the Caribbean Sea, costs an average of £69 per person, per night, and travel restrictions have been removed for people who can prove they are vaccinated.

For those who are looking for snow instead of sunshine this January, Norway is the perfect holiday destination. Not only does the midwinter season open the door to all of the classic snow sports and activities but January in the north of Norway also presents one of the very best opportunities to see the majestic Northern Lights. A trip to Oslo costs an average of £70 per person, per night, and while travel rules will require a COVID-19 test on arrival, negative results will leave visitors free to explore this stunning Scandinavian country. 

The most affordable of January holiday destinations to currently benefit from eased travel restrictions is Hungary. The capital city, Budapest, is a popular tourist destination all year round but, with temperatures often hitting zero and good chances of snowfall, the city is at its most magical in January. Because it’s technically the low-season, attractions such as the natural hot spring baths will be much less crowded than during the spring and summer months.  A stay in Budapest costs an average of just £46.95 per person, per night and, if travellers can prove they are vaccinated, access to Hungary is no problem at all. 

“We hoped 2021 would be a better year after 2020, but really it was much the same. Very difficult for lots of people and the rise of Omicron halting many planned Christmas celebrations. With any luck, however, 2022 really is going to be better, so what better way of putting the hard times behind us than with a January getaway?

Add to this the fact that hotels around the world are keen to attract winter customers with generous room discounts and there’s never been a better time to take an early break from reality. Just be sure to check the current travel guidelines before booking.”

Average prices based on economy flights and hotel for 2 adults for 14 nights in January 2022.

These are the best destinations for a restriction-free January getaway

With international travel once again thrown into doubt due to Covid, we decided to look at the cost of an alternative staycation in some of the nation’s most unusual accommodation.

It's that time of year again when lots of people start thinking about taking a wintery weekend break ahead of the busy Christmas period, or perhaps plan for a post-Christmas escape in January as a gift to a loved one. But if a regular hotel feels a bit ordinary, there are plenty of interesting options available.

hoo looked at the average daily room rate of 11 alternatives to hotels, from lighthouses to windmills and even former helicopters. However, these memorable locations will cost you. With an average daily room rate of £169, they come in 132% more than the average cost of a UK hotel.  

A firm festive favourite is a log cabin and at £107 per night, the good news is that they are one of the more affordable alternatives analysed by hoo. In fact, only repurposed train carriages (£85) and helicopters (£70) come in cheaper than traditional accommodation. 

Opting for a stay in a windmill is the next most affordable, costing £123 on average. Cottage stays (£124), chapels or churches (£145), treehouses (£154) and boats (£186) all come in at less than £200 per night on average. 

For the best coastal views available,y staying in a lighthouse will set you back £211 per night, while a converted barn break comes in at an average of £215. 

However, the most expensive of all is a stay in a castle. On average, a weekend of pretending to be a royal will cost you a chunky £440 per night. 

“Sometimes, a quirky alternative can bring a whole new dimension to a short staycation. Given the fact we’ve largely settled for domestic breaks since the outbreak of Covid, we might be yearning for something a little different. 

An out-of-the-ordinary stay can also make for a great Christmas gift. Not only is the recipient sure to love it, but you can also sleep easy in the knowledge that you’re helping boost a UK travel and tourism industry that continues to suffer during the pandemic.

If you’re looking for a pre-Christmas getaway, what could be better than a few nights in a log cabin? Costing little more than £100 per night, a cabin or lodge provides a really intimate and cosy alternative to a hotel room.”

(Data sourced from QuirkyAccom.com, CoolStays.com and finder.com)

From log cabins, lighthouses and helicopters - the best hotel alternatives for a memorable winter getaway

Our latest research has revealed that the cost faced by those flying home for Christmas will soon start to spiral by as much as 184% as a result of heightened December demand. 

hoo analysed the cost of an economy class ticket for one adult taking a direct flight from the UK to a number of destinations, starting the week commencing 29th November. 

hoo then analysed how this cost is set to change over the coming weeks right up until Christmas week (20th-26th December).

The research shows that at average cost of £216 per person, flying home for Christmas will cost you the least during the first week of December (29th November-5th December).

This cost then jumps by 15% the following week (6th-12th December) to an average of £248 per person and a further 9% to £271 per person the week after that (13th-19th December).

However, the biggest increase comes during Christmas week (20th-26th December) when the average cost of a ticket hits £399 - a 47% increase on the previous week and 85% more expensive than flying during the first week of December. 

It’s also bad news for those trying to reduce their Christmas carbon footprint when flying. 

The cost of a low emission flight comes in 81% more expensive on average throughout December when compared to the cost of a regular flight. Again, this premium is at its highest during Christmas week (20th-26th December) when a low emission flight will cost you 139% more on average. 

The incremental cost of of a low emission flight also increases at a far greater rate than a standard flight the closer we get to Christmas. 

In fact, a low emission flight home during Christmas week will cost you 131% more compared to the previous week (13th-19th December) and 184% more than a low emission flight during the first week of December (29th November-5th December).

“Driving home for Christmas might see you top to toe in tailbacks but spare a thought for those facing some rapidly rising ticket prices in order to fly home to see their loved ones for the festive period. 

With many of us also spending last Christmas grounded due to COVID restrictions, demand is likely to be even higher than usual this year and so, if you can, be flexible on your travel dates and book sooner rather than later. 

It’s not much help for this festive season, but you really should consider securing your seat during the first few months of next year if you want an affordable flight home for Christmas in 2022.”

(Flights costs are based on the average price for one person taking an economy flight during each week from the UK to Edinburgh, Dublin, Sydney, Paris and Madrid. Sourced from Kayak.)

Flying home for Christmas? This is when flight costs will start to spiral

Our latest research has revealed the best time between now and Christmas to take a trip to the North Pole to see Father Christmas.

Like it or not, Christmas will soon be upon us, in fact, it’s just six weeks away. For those looking to up the festive ante in the coming weeks, there’s perhaps no better way than a visit to the North Pole to see Santa and his reindeer. 

But when’s the best time to visit? hoo has analysed the cost of flights and a hotel for a family of four to Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus. As well as looking at how the cost differs on a weekly basis right the way up until the big day itself. 

For those looking to beat the rush and head away this week, the cost for a family of four sits at an average of £3,078, the second most expensive week to visit between now and Christmas. 

However, those looking for an affordable festive getaway need only wait one week. At £2,402 in total or £601 per person, next week (22nd to 28th November) is the cheapest week to visit Lapland between now and Christmas. 

But if you need a little more time to plan before heading off to see the big guy in red, fear not. While prices are higher throughout the rest of the festive season, the week of 6th to 12th December is your second best bet. 

At £2,439 or £610 per person, it’s the second most affordable week to visit Lapland and it falls in December so you can really get into the Christmas spirit.

Prices do continue to climb after that point though and unsurprisingly, the week of the 20th to 26th is the most expensive time to visit Father Christmas at £3,405 or £851 per person. He tends to get fairly busy beyond this point so there’s no guarantee he’ll be home if you do go knocking. 

“Whether it’s a trip to see Santa or heading home to see loved ones for the holiday season, the chances are that demand for flights, in particular, will start to climb over the coming weeks and prices are likely to follow suit. 

One pandemic silver lining is that many of us have maintained some form of flexibility within our working lives and so the last minute rush to make it home for Christmas may not be as full-on as previous years. If you’re able, adjusting your travel plans by a day or two could make you a considerable saving.”

These are the most affordable weeks for a trip to the North Pole

The UN Climate Change Conference has helped shine a light on how we can do our part to build a greener, more sustainable future. But our latest research has revealed that three-quarters of us fail to consider our carbon footprint at all when it comes to booking our holidays.

Worldwide carbon dioxide emissions from tourism-related transport are expected to increase by 25.1% to 1,888 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by 2030

But with more of us focussing on how we impact the planet and what can be done to reduce this impact, greener holidays are becoming increasingly more preferable to holidaymakers. 

The good news is that the amount of carbon dioxide produced by UK travel agencies and tour operators sat at 2.08 kg per capita prior to the pandemic (2019) - down -2.6% year on year and a step in the right direction, at the very least. 

But hoo’s research found that it still doesn’t register as a consideration for many of us when booking a holiday. In fact, 74% of people asked by hoo said they don’t consider their carbon footprint when booking a holiday. 

However, hoo’s research also suggests that a little more awareness of this issue during the booking process could help increase the number of us looking to reduce our carbon footprint. 

44% stated they would actually pay more for a greener flight that produced fewer carbon emissions. 

44% also stated that they would travel from a different or less convenient airport in order to take a greener flight that produced lower carbon emissions. 

Finally, 40% would be happy to travel on different or less convenient dates to those they had initially planned to travel on, in order to take a greener flight that produced lower carbon emissions. 

“It’s not unusual for those in the public eye to come under fire for travelling by plane. But there are more carbon-friendly options when looking to book our holidays. 

If we can’t travel by car or by boat, then opting for a flight with a lower carbon footprint is one way to make a small difference and it’s these small changes that will help lower our own impact on the environment 

Perhaps not surprisingly, the majority of us fail to consider our carbon footprint when booking a holiday but there certainly seems to be a growing appetite to decrease carbon emissions when travelling. 

We’re now starting to see some comparison websites highlighting which flights are better in this respect, but there’s certainly more that can be done to help us make these decisions when making that holiday booking.”

(Survey of 1,520 UK population carried out by hoo via consumer research platform Find Out Now, 5th November 2021)

Three quarters of us don’t consider our carbon emissions when booking a holiday

Our latest research has revealed that the average cost of visiting one of the world’s most festive Christmas markets comes in at just £95 per night for flights and hotels, with a trip to London’s Winter Wonderland coming in considerably higher just for a hotel. 

The clocks have gone back and November has arrived meaning it’s finally acceptable to start talking about Christmas. Few things mark the arrival of the festive period more than Christmas markets and hoo has taken a look at which offer the most affordable festive stay.

Love it or hate it, Hyde Parks’ Winter Wonderland has become a yuletide institution but those making a festive pilgrimage from outside of the capital are looking at £162 per person, per night, in hotel costs.  

hoo’s analysis of 15 foreign Christmas markets has found that the vast majority can be visited for a similar cost, or less, for both flights and hotel. 

In fact, the average trip to visit one of the world’s 15 most-popular Christmas markets costs just £95 per person, per night, for travel and accommodation.

The Krakow Christmas market in Poland is one of the most famous markets in the world and runs from late November to early January and a trip to Poland in December will cost you an average of just £37 per night. 

Called Advent, the Christmas market in Zagreb, Croatia, is a wonderland of food, crafts, entertainment, and shopping. It has also been named the best Christmas fair in Europe for three years on the trot. A trip here will set you back an average of £53 per night. 

The Advent Basilica in Budapest, Hungary, is regarded as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, well worth a visit at an average price of just £58 per person, per night.

Berlin is home to more than 20 different Christmas markets including the market at Potsdamer Platz which boasts a toboggan run, the Nordic Fairytail Market and Christmas Avenue, an LBGTIQ market that started in 2019. A trip to Berlin to check out all 20 will cost you around £62 per night.

In Prague, Czech Republic, this year’s Christmas market will run from 27th November - 6th January and even opens on Christmas day. A trip will cost £65 per person, per night. 

The cost of a festive fix in Tallinn (£66), Brussels (£68), Moscow (£73), Strasbourg (94), Copenhagen (£97), Stockholm (£99) or Vienna (£109) also comes in below the average cost of a London hotel. 

For those who fancy travelling further afield, why not consider a hop across the Atlantic? New York is home to a vast number of Christmas markets, perhaps the biggest and most popular of which is the Union Square Holiday Market. A Christmas trip to New York, however, doesn’t come cheap at an average price of £177 per night. 

More expensive still is a trip to Toronto, Canada where the Christmas market is returning after a COVID hiatus last year, hosted in the city’s historic Distillery District. A trip will cost a mighty £199 per person, per night. 

"After another year of pandemic travel restrictions, a foreign Christmas market provides the perfect opportunity to get away while supercharging your festive spirit in the process. Even better,  it can be done on a budget and the vast majority can be visited for less than the cost of a weekend in London. 

So rather than brave the queue for Winter Wonderland, why not head to Budapest, Berlin or Brussels and save yourself some money in the process?"

12 of the world’s best Christmas markets that are cheaper to visit than London's Winter Wonderland

Our latest research has found that the cost of staying in one of the UK’s most haunted hotels this Halloween will set you back 97% more per night compared to the average hotel room rate. 

hoo analysed the cost per night for a hotel room in 10 of the most haunted hotels in the UK and found that on average, a scary stay will set you back £204 per night. This comes in 97% higher than the average cost of a hotel in the wider area at £103 per night. 

At the top of the table is the Langham Hotel in Westminster, considered one of the most haunted places in the nation. At £500 per night, the cost of staying at the Langham this Halloween is 274% higher than the average cost of a Westminster hotel (£134). 

The Jamaica Inn in Cornwall is also one of the most expensive haunted hotels for a Halloween staycation. The 18th-century coaching inn was the setting of Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name and is thought to be rife with paranormal activity including creepy Cornish voices, apparitions and the sound of footsteps coming from empty rooms. 

At a cost of £307 per night, it’s not only the second most expensive but comes in some 193% above the average hotel room rate in the wider area (£105). 

Ettington Park Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon ranks as the third most expensive Halloween hotel. At £266 per night, it costs 153% more than hotels in the wider area but you do get to share your stay with a variety of paranormals, including the spirit of an elderly lady and an army officer. One room has even been fitted with an emergency cable should they be too active for your liking. 

North of the border, Edinburgh’s Dalhousie Castle ranks as the most expensive location for a Scottish Halloween haunt. The 13th-century castle is thought to be home to the ghosts of Lady Catherine and Sir Alexander Ramsey and the cost of bunking up with them this weekend comes in at £207 per night - 77% more than the average hotel cost in the wider area. 

If you’re looking for a fright in the South, Eastwell Manor in Kent and the Mermaid Inn in East Sussex are two of the top haunted locations available for a booking. However, they each come in 69% and 61% respectively more expensive than the average cost of a hotel in each area. 

Ballygally Castle is Northern Ireland’s haunted hotel spot, costing 49% more per night, while Ruthin Castle in Wales will set you back 36% more and the Golden Fleece Inn in Yorkshire will see you pay 13% more. 