Growth in number of over-55s using travel websites

There has been an increase in the number of over-55s in the UK choosing to book their holidays online as they have more travel flexibility, a study suggests.

Over-55s are as confident using the web as younger people and as their children are mostly grown up and independent they are no longer restricted by having to time their holidays with school breaks and other commitments.

Older people who are confident with the internet could also find they can use VoIP hardware to communicate with friends and family more cheaply.

Carmel Dennis, project manager at internet-based market intelligence service New Media Trend Watch, said: "This generation are familiar with the internet from their workplaces and also may have the freedom to book more last-minute short breaks online, as they are likely to be free from the constraints of school holidays and childcare commitments."

Last year, online holiday bookings made by over-55s in the UK comprised nearly 17 per cent of the total market, according to IVRA Holding, an internet tourism solution provider.