British holidaymakers are increasingly opting for domestic breaks this summer, with reports indicating a substantial jump in bookings for UK hotels and holiday parks. This shift is largely attributed to growing apprehension among travellers regarding potential flight cancellations, escalating airfares, and anticipated lengthy delays at European Union borders.
Raoul Fraser, founder of Lovat Parks, noted a 35% increase in summer bookings compared to the previous year. He suggested that as the school holidays approach, people are becoming more confident in booking closer to the time, hoping for favourable weather in July. Fraser also highlighted that broader geopolitical concerns, coupled with reports of significant queues and missed flights at some European airports due to the new EU entry-exit system (EES), are deterring many from booking holidays abroad. This sentiment is particularly strong among older individuals and families with young children, who are wary of potential four- or five-hour delays.
Matthew Price, chief executive of Awaze, the European holiday rental group behind brands like Cottages.com and Hoseasons, described a 'stampede' for UK accommodation situated near water. Summer bookings for stays by lakes and lochs have risen by 12% on last year, with riverside properties also experiencing a 12% increase. Popular coastal destinations such as Whitby, Bridlington, and Newquay are proving to be top choices. This trend is further supported by data from Booking.com, which reported a 10% increase in searches for domestic summer trips among UK travellers, with Liverpool, Ingoldmells, London, and Keswick in the Lake District seeing the biggest rises in interest.
The supermarket chain Waitrose is also preparing for what it predicts will be the 'biggest staycation summer on record'. The company anticipates a surge in sales at branches located in popular holiday destinations, with projections of a 23% rise in Menai Bridge, Anglesey, and 17% increases in Truro, Cornwall; Bridport, Dorset; and East Cowes, Isle of Wight. This aligns with findings from Mintel, where travel analyst Sinead O’Connor observed a 5% rise in staycation plans this summer, despite overseas trips generally remaining the preferred choice.
The UK travel industry body, Abta, found that 38% of potential holidaymakers have delayed their decision to book summer holidays. This indecision follows months of headlines detailing travel disruption and restrictions, speculation surrounding jet fuel prices and availability, and the widely reported queues caused by the EES. The cumulative effect of these concerns appears to be pushing a significant number of Britons towards the perceived safety and convenience of a domestic holiday.
Practical Advice for UK Travellers: For those considering a staycation, early booking, especially for popular waterside or coastal locations, is advisable. While no visas are required for UK domestic travel, it is still prudent to have travel insurance that covers unforeseen circumstances like illness or cancellations. Costs for UK holidays can vary widely, but self-catering cottages or holiday parks can offer good value, with a week for a family of four potentially ranging from GBP 500 to GBP 1,500+ depending on location and facilities. The FCO does not issue warnings for domestic travel within the UK, but travellers should always check local weather forecasts and any specific regional advice.
Source: Lovat Parks, Awaze, Booking.com, Waitrose, Mintel, Abta