Looking forward to a summer break is essential for fighting off the winter blues

We may be in times of austerity but having a summer holiday is one luxury which people are determined not to have to cut back on.

This is according to Andrew Dunn, founder of Scott Dunn, who believes that while most people are having to tighten their proverbial belts, looking forward to a fortnight in the sun is essential for people's wellbeing in the colder months.

"I think holidays are absolutely a necessity for most people," he told the BBC's On Money podcast.

"There is that sense that you need to get away, you need to look forward to something and January is a time when people get a little bit down. Having a holiday to look forward to is incredibly important."

The comments echo those found in a recent survey conducted by YouGov in conjunction with First Data Merchant Solutions. According to the survey two-thirds of Brits consider a holiday a must and do not consider it a luxury at all.

Posted by Nicole Maher