Survey Says
URBAN LIFE WAVE 04 2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Here are the results from the fourth main Urban Life survey of 2011. The lucky winner of the £1,000 prize for this survey is from outside Manchester. Our lucky prize winner plans to spend their cash on a surprise weekend in Paris for her husband, Disney treats for her niece and nephew, and 50 tennis balls for her Spaniels!
Remember, anyone who completes at least five main surveys will be entered into the £5,000 grand prize draw at the end of the year, where we’ll pick one winner at random. There are 2 more main surveys to go this year, so keep your answers coming - you’ve got to be in it to win it!
The hacking scandal
The hacking scandal revealed about certain newspapers journalism habits. When asked how you felt about it, 85% of you were bothered, ranging from a little annoyed (29%), really bothered (29%) and completely outraged (26%).
The consequences….
Despite being annoyed, 73% of you wouldn’t change your newspaper habits with 28% of you saying that you were already happy with the ethics of the newspaper you bought… although 56% of you said that we should have of stricter laws here to protect people’s privacy.
A lot of the comments made said that our appetite for the private lives of people in the public eye were as much to blame for the hacking scandal as the newspapers themselves, with several of you saying that you weren’t really surprised and expected more to ‘come out of the closet’.
The Olympics
You are clearly well into your sports. 35% of you applied for Olympic tickets and about 15% got some. Although Athletics was your most popular event, most of you got tickets to the Olympic football. Londoner Urban lifers expect to spend around £58 (outside of the ticket price) seeing their event but those outside of London will spend significantly more – around £170.
We talked to you about the Cultural Olympiad and a massive 74% of you are interested in getting tickets for it, with music and comedy being the most popular event types. You’re also keen on the Paralympics, with 45% expressing an interest in winning tickets.
In terms of following the Olympics, the majority of you will get your news from the TV, although you’re significantly more likely to get news online and on your mobiles than the general population.
Holidays
You clearly love your holidays! 84% of you have taken one in the past year, with beach trips being your favourite destination. A slight majority prefer visiting new places when you go on holiday but just under half of you are just as happy re-visiting places you know.
Lots of you like taking short breaks and visiting cities, getting advice from your friends and looking for inspiration online. A good proportion of you will also take a winter break, escaping the English weather by going somewhere sunny in Europe. 18% went on a snow sports trip last year with France being the most popular destination, and for a lot you, this isn’t the only holiday of the year.
Before going on holiday, most of you will look online for recommendations, exchange currency, shopped for clothes specifically for your trip and bought toiletries. Boots was by far the most popular pre-holiday shopping destination for toiletries.
When booking your flights, price, convenience and ‘no hidden costs’ are your biggest priorities, a list that includes comfort, inflight entertainment and personal experience when considering long haul flights.
The British summer
We asked you how you felt about the British weather, majority of you looked on the bright side rather than moaning about it, although some of you took the opportunity to travel abroad. Here are some of your responses:
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“Actually the rain makes my garden look good and I am 'trapped' in an office all week, so not worried about it!”
“As a teacher, it always seems to be that the weather takes a turn for the worse at the start of the holidays. I always bring sunshine into my life by hitting the gym and then having a big glass of wine (or 5) with friends”
“Crack open the Pimms anyway!”
“Enjoy it when I can… we live in Britain, what are we supposed to expect?”
“Go on holiday to a hot country.”
“I came to terms with the British summer a long time ago so I don't rant about it!!”
“It is hardly unusual in Britain for the weather to be changeable! I have no idea what all the moaning is about.”
“It’s Summer and it’s not snowing and it is certainly not freezing so just put on an extra layer take a brolly and get yourselves out into the fresh air”
“Retail therapy it's the only way, plus does not rain in the pub/restaurant/shop (delete as applicable!!)”
“Why bother complaining about the weather? Anyone living in this country should know that you can't guarantee British summer sunshine - that's why we have holidays abroad!”
We removed the trivia questions from this Urban Life Survey and asked how you felt about it. 61% of you wanted them back with 25% saying “Bring them back now!”.
We listened to your feelings and we’re bringing them back! (Although we are still investigating other ways to make the surveys even better!)