A new study has revealed that half of young Irish people dream of taking a round the world trip in their lifetime with 82% of respondents believing that traveling makes you a more well-rounded person.

Taking off to travel remains a popular option…

The in-depth study of young Irish people's attitudes to travel and adventure was done by Bank of Ireland to mark the launch of its 2008 student-banking package, which includes plans to give away more than 25,000 free flights to Europe and the USA.

70% of those surveyed said that they believe that nothing will hold you back from travelling if you want to go while 67% felt they didn't have the funds to go traveling.

The survey also found that 88% of young people who do travel use their own savings and less than 14% took out a loan to fund their trip.

The research that the favourite type of travel is to explore and experience other cultures and this generation are primarily influenced to travel by hearing the experiences of others (79%) and the availability of cheap flights (76%).   

Although the study shows that one in five parents worry their offspring may decide to stay abroad and not return, it also shows that 62% of parents encourage young people to see the world and only 3% are concerned that they will get into debt.     

Only 17% of respondents cited economic uncertainty as a reason for not travelling and 43% said they had no concerns at all about how long-term travel would impact their careers or future opportunities.  

People's attitudes to romance and travel also revealed some interesting insights. While the early years are typically known as the time to enjoy being foot-loose and fancy free, 69% think its important when in a relationship to share the experience of travel together and 59% believe it makes them stronger as a couple.  

This generation doesn't fear trouble in their relationships as a result of travel, with over half of the survey group trusting a partner travelling without them but they may not be as trusting when they hear that almost 60% of travellers admitted to experiencing a holiday romance at some time.

The study also revealed that 62% are encouraged by their family to see the world; 54% miss their own beds the most when travelling; 19% miss Mammy's cooking most when away; more women than men miss their friends when they are away, while one in four men say they miss their pint and not surprisingly, only 3% miss the Irish weather.

Students who open or upgrade to a new student account with BOI will receive a free return flight to Europe and when they use their account ten times each month between November 1 2008 to January 31 2009 they will receive a free return flight to the USA.

Both of these offers are subject to a range of terms and conditions and these are available on www.bankofireland.ie.

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