However, finding the best bargain is strong among travellers with 54% global travellers and 51% Asian travellers saying their choice of holiday is often determined by the availability of a good deal or special offer. Asian respondents indicated that “price” (94%) and “special offers” (49%) are important decision-making factors when booking their accommodation.

Despite relatively low optimism in the economy travellers are not willing to give up their holidays with many opting to hunt for bargains and make sacrifices in other areas to continue with their travel. Only 11% of global respondents and 17% of Asians will spend more on travel because they feel more confident about the economy,

The biggest increase in travel budgets this year are from South African travellers, up 30% from 2013, followed by Indonesians, Australians and Malaysians.

The study found that, on average, Asian travellers plan to increase their annual travel spend by 7% from US$4,331 last year to US$4,633 this year.

Other key trends among Asian travellers:

• Asian travellers plan to take more domestic than international trips with 93%, up from 90% in 2013, saying they would travel locally against 74% who want to go overseas, compared to 90% of global travellers who want to travel domestically and 77% internationally.
• Asians are attached to their smartphones, with 94% using their mobile on holiday. (global 91%).
• Hoteliers in Asia are ahead in offering mobile services to travellers (82%), compared to their global counterparts (76%).
• United States is the dream destination for Asian travellers to visit in the next 12 to 24 months (28%), followed by Italy, 27% and Australia, 26%, in contrast to Europe as top destination for global travellers (46%), followed by Asia (39%) and North America (32%).
• Currency fluctuations are more likely to impact travel plans of Asian travellers (51%) than internatinal travellers (44%).
• Travellers from Asia tend to book their accommodation relatively last minute, with 23% booking up to two weeks before their trip, higher than their global counterparts at 16%. (Click here for full global report, infographic and global findings.)

Marc Charron, president, TripAdvisor for business, said exploration was back on the agenda in 2014, with more travellers planning international trips this year.

“Travellers are upping their budgets but they are looking for bargains, expecting their accommodation of choice to deliver on value. Special offers, complimentary amenities and exceptional service are all going to be important factors in swaying potential guests,” he added.

• TripBarometer, conducted on behalf of TripAdvisor by independent research firm Ipsos, highlights country, regional and global travel trends, according to more than 61,000 travellers and hoteliers around the world, with 5,657 consumer and 1,142 business respondents from Asia.The biannual study also reports behavioural differences in planning and booking habits of travellers.

• Photo credit (World signs): Passion-Images/Shutterstock