Out of all the types of holiday, overseas travel has suffered the most since the recession and has been the slowest to recover – since 2008, border-hopping has declined by a fifth. For the independent market, things probably won’t improve until 2015. If they’re lucky. However, research suggests that embarking on international adventures is still high on the ladder of pleasurable priorities for us Brits. We’re still going (well, some of us are), but apparently we’re not spending as much when we get there. Hence the fact that package deals are becoming increasingly popular. We like our included breakfasts – and if you’re like me, we like stuffing left-overs into doggie bags for daytime snacking. …Oh. Just me then? Anyway, back to the point; marketing statistics for independent holidays are dwindling.

Although the spectator sports market has responded well to the recession – ticket sales have grown by 20% despite the economy – there appears to be room for improvement, which will ultimately enable venues to rake in more cash. Live sporting events rely on discretionary spending, and although sport has a strong fan base (no doubt cultivated though excessive TV coverage) the numbers have dwindled.

Ok, so apparently we’re going backwards; back to the old days of campfires, marshmallow cremation, and those nights spent elbow deep in mud… Well, not quite. But good ole camping and caravanning has had a boost since our fair-weather friend, Mr Recession, made an unwelcome appearance in 2008. There has been a very obvious switch from overseas trips to ‘staycations’ here in the UK; weather