This summer, Britons are spending GBP20bn on their staycation holidays, despite the economic lull and ‘cost of living crisis’.
According to a recent travel study by Travelodge, the majority of Britons are unwilling to sacrifice their summer getaways and are looking at staycations to make their holidays cost-effective. Collectively, Britons are projected to spend GBP20 billion on domestic holidays.
According to the report, 63% of Britons have booked a summer holiday this year, marking a 50 percent increase compared to the previous year’s figure of 42%. Remarkably, 72% of these vacationers have chosen to explore the wonders of Great Britain, opting for staycations on British shores. The top destinations for British holidaymakers this summer include Cornwall, Devon, the Isle of Wight, Whitby, and Blackpool.
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokesperson, said: ‘Our latest research shows that Britons are prioritising and taking a well-deserved staycation this summer, despite the rising cost of living; as a break has become one of life’s necessities. Interestingly in these challenging times, our bookings data shows Britons are getting creative and resourceful with their budget and holiday planning. New travel trends we are seeing include Britons splitting their holidays into lots of shorter breaks and also planning multi-location holidays. This enables them to combine two different experiences within one holiday and obtain a better return on their money and time. Just a weekend break can make a huge difference to your wellbeing. With a network of over 580 hotels across the length and breadth of the UK, holidaymakers are using Travelodge hotels as their summer base to explore and experience what makes Great Britain so Great this summer.’
The report reveals that 24% of Britons have divided their traditional two-week holiday into multiple breaks throughout the year, taking two staycations during the summer months. Interestingly, Britons are extending their holiday duration from an average of three days to five days, and their average spending on British summer holidays has nearly doubled compared to 2022. This year, the average amount spent by staycationers is estimated to be GBP1011.30, in contrast to the previous year’s average of GBP513.13.
A significant number of savvy Britons (41%) are opting for the holiday hotspots across Britain by creating bespoke two-centre holiday packages. By staying at two different locations within a single holiday, they can enjoy diverse experiences, such as combining a coastal or seaside holiday with a rural escape or a city break.
The report also highlights the British love for the seaside, with 43% of Britons choosing coastal destinations for their summer holidays this year. Cornwall tops the chart with over 250 miles of coastline and 300 beaches to explore. Rural breaks in the British countryside, such as the Lake District, North Wales and Scottish Highlands, are the second most popular type of summer holiday, chosen by a quarter (25%) of Britons. One-fifth (20%) of Britons are opting for UK city breaks this summer, with London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff ranking as the top city destinations.
The findings are part of the 2023 Travelodge Travel Index, which surveyed 2,000 British adults to assess their holiday plans for the summer. Key findings from the report indicate that 25% of Britons consider a summer holiday as one of the few non-negotiable expenses in their lives.
