Millions of Britons are not taking a summer holiday this year as the impact of Government cuts hits households.
According to a survey by ING Direct more than 17 million people are not taking a summer holiday - 2.7 million more than in 2008.
Many families are already struggling with the effects of rising prices and are forfeiting their summer break as they attempt to reduce debts.
The research found that people were even shunning "staycations" - cheaper holidays within the UK.
The poll of 2,000 people found that 88 per cent of people who had opted out of holidays in the last three years were those who would normally holiday in the UK.
More than half of holidaymakers who are going on holiday say they will spend less than usual, eating in, missing out on excursions and not buying souvenirs.
In previous years, Britons have booked their summer breaks as much as 12 months in advance, but this year travel agents predict the majority of holidays will be booked at the last minute.
ING Direct chief executive Richard Doe said: "It's clear that a tough economic climate is causing consumers to pull off a very difficult balancing act - cutting down on debt while dealing with rising prices - so it's not surprising that the summer holiday is often being sacrificed."
In a further sign of changing attitudes to spending, those who are going away are increasingly saving up for their holidays, rather than paying for it on credit, ING Direct found.
This year 36 per cent of Britons were planning to pay for the holiday from savings, up from 30 per cent last year.
Mr Doe said: "It is certainly a good thing that consumers are adopting a more sensible approach to holiday planning, saving in advance for their trips, rather than entirely relying on the plastic."
Source: Sky News/ Yahoo