Tired Of Disappointing Holiday Recommendations? It’s Time To Start Travelling Your Way, With A Little Help From KAYAK

How many times have you taken someone else’s travel advice and been disappointed with the results? Research from KAYAK tells us you’re not alone; in fact, the travel search engine might just hold the solution.

If you’re planning a holiday, you’ve probably asked around for some advice, from where to go and where to stay to what to do when you get there. But a new study from KAYAK has revealed that this advice isn’t doing us much good.

KAYAK / Getty Images

That’s right, stats from leading travel search engine KAYAK’s World of Opinions 2023 study show that 69% of adults in the UK allow the opinions of others to influence their travel choices. In other words, we’re making decisions that aren’t entirely our own. And *spoiler alert*, it’s having a negative impact on our experiences. Here’s everything you need to know.

First of all, we’re really indecisive…

According to KAYAK’s research, 58% of adults are looking to their friends, families, colleagues and virtually anyone with an opinion to determine how they should live their lives. It ranges from major to minor life decisions, with 60% admitting to seeking support when making everyday life choices, like buying new clothes. With the whole world out there to explore, if you can’t decide which T-shirt to buy, then how on earth are you supposed to choose when, where and how to enjoy your next vacation?

…but it’s not completely our fault.

KAYAK

We’re constantly surrounded by opinions, everywhere from TV to podcasts and our social media feeds. That’s what’s causing us to question our own initiative — we’re now used to having someone else’s point of view to rely on. In fact, 48% of those asked believe there are too many opinions out there, and that they're influencing the decisions they make. Can you imagine planning a trip of a lifetime and then not going because someone told you they didn’t think it was a good idea? It happens: Almost a quarter of adults in the UK have changed their travel plans as a result of someone else’s opinion.

Social media is (unsurprisingly) a huge factor.

KAYAK / Getty Images

Think about your last beach holiday — you probably didn’t post a picture of yourself waking up with puffy eyes first thing, or with sore, burnt skin after falling asleep by the pool, or even the tired hotel room that didn’t look quite as modern as you’d hoped when your friend showed you their pictures from five years ago. No, you probably posted pics of the beautiful sunsets, the great food and you looking happy as a clam in the bright summer sun. It’s no wonder that 72% of those asked feel that the difference between people’s real lives and what they post on social media is growing. If people are using your posts as travel inspiration and all you’re showing them are the highlights, you can see how their expectations might not live up to reality.

The result: Our holidays are, for the most part, pretty disappointing.

Yes, after listening to the many opinions surrounding them, people are reaching their destinations and not actually having a good time. A whopping 82% of travellers have said that recommendations haven’t lived up to their expectations. Why? Because everyone is unique. So when it comes to travel, you should follow your own instincts.

But travel can — and should — be fulfilling.

KAYAK / Getty Images

Almost three-quarters of those who took part in the KAYAK survey agreed that travel can change you for the better. A massive 81% said travelling has given them new perspectives on the world around them, while 72% said it has given them a new perspective on life. Interestingly, over half said that travelling has encouraged them to trust their own beliefs and opinions more. That's proof that if you trust your gut and follow your own need to explore, you’ll get more out of your trip.

So it’s time to start planning your trips, your way.

Ready to book your next break? KAYAK’s new platform, Go See for Yourself, is the place to start. KAYAK's Explore feature is an easy and quick way to look up everything from destinations to hotels, and how to get there. You can even personalise your search by budget, flight time or the kind of trip you’re looking to take for the ultimate tailored experience. Your trip, done your way — no other opinions necessary.

Get the most out of travelling with KAYAK. Discover new destinations, new experiences and new ways to get there. It’s time to take control of your next holiday and go see for yourself.