As a distinctive niche in the consumer holiday market, student travel is extremely complex and diverse and cannot be directly compared to travel by other consumer groups. Today, the idea of taking a 'gap' year is increasing in popularity. They are no longer viewed with suspicion by universities, parents or potential employers. In fact, students who take a gap year are often perceived as being more globally aware therefore there is a higher chance of retaining a career. In 2001, some 50,000 students took a year out. This figure is set to rise to 90,000 by 2005 due to reasons such as the increased media attention that has surrounded famous 'gappers' such as Prince William. In addition, the A-Level fiasco of 2002 has forced students to consider taking time out.

As a distinctive niche in the consumer holiday market, student travel is extremely complex and diverse and cannot be directly compared to travel by other consumer groups. Today, the idea of taking a 'gap' year is increasing in popularity. They are no longer viewed with suspicion by universities, parents or potential employers. In fact, students who take a gap year are often perceived as being more globally aware therefore there is a higher chance of retaining a career. In 2001, some 50,000 students took a year out. This figure is set to rise to 90,000 by 2005 due to reasons such as the increased media attention that has surrounded famous 'gappers' such as Prince William. In addition, the A-Level fiasco of 2002 has forced students to consider taking time out.

As gap years increase in popularity so do the demands of students. As identified in the previous report, Student Travel, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, January 2001, students are notoriously difficult consumers to satisfy. They want to experience new cultures, adventure and excitement but equally, want to follow the crowd. Moreover, all this needs to be achieved at a very low cost.

In this report Mintel offers analysis of key factors which are driving the market, in particular the pressure on finances, as student debt is on the rise. In addition, the report identifies the variety of suppliers to the student travel market.

The report also offers a breakdown of recent student travelling patterns, based on exclusive consumer research undertaken by Mintel for this report. This research provides extensive information on students' favourite destinations, preferred types of holiday and booking habits. In addition, the report provides research which reveals students' attitudes to holidays, their essential requirements and their attitudes to the travel industry. The report concludes by forecasting the main developments and new products which are taking the industry forward. It outlines the changes in taste among increasingly sophisticated student travellers that will influence demand in the coming years.

Other reports of relevance include:

- Holidays - The Road to Recovery, Special Report, 2003

- Pre-family Holidays, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, December 2002

- Special Interest Holidays, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, November 2002

- Independent Holiday, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, September 2002

- Leisure and the Internet, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, May 2002

- Holidays - Student Lifestyle, Special Report, 2002

- Holidays on the Internet, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, March 2002

- Holidays - Coping with a Crisis, Special Report, 2002

- Long Haul Holidays, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, February 2001

- Holidays - Planning, Buying & Financing Holidays from the UK, Special Report, 2001

and the forthcoming:

- Long-Haul Holidays, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, February 2003

- Self-Catering Holidays, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, March 2003

- Budget Hotels, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, April 2003

- Student Leisure, Travel & Tourism Intelligence, June 2003.