Britons to spend £7bn on home holidays this summer

The survey of 5,000 British adults conducted earlier this month found that 35 per cent of respondents will be holidaying in the UK this summer, compared to 25 per cent last year.

And with the average seven-day UK holiday expected to cost £422.69 (down £144.31 from 2010), Travelodge estimates that the sector will benefit by an additional £7.2bn from summer ‘staycations’, or home holidays.

“It has been a tough year for many British adults with rising household costs and Government cutbacks but our research shows that cash strapped Britons are clinging onto their annual holiday in order to add some cheer into their lives,” said Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge spokesperson.

“Due to hefty financial cutbacks, more Britons are opting for a Staycation break this year, which is great news for the British tourism industry.”

Top UK locations​

The report found that 41 per cent of respondents are finding it more difficult to make ends meet this year compared to last year, which means they are postponing their holiday bookings until the last minute. Instead of booking holidays in January, most people will be booking in June, July and August.

“Britons are definitely waiting last minute to book their Staycation break this summer as we have seen a rise in summer bookings following the royal wedding weekend,” said Ahmed.

“Top locations are Cornwall, Devon, UK capital cities as well as the coastal locations such as Blackpool, Brighton, Scarborough, Eastbourne and Bournemouth.”

The top ten holiday ‘hotspots’ for UK tourists are:

• Cornwall
• Lake District
• Devon
• London
• Edinburgh
• Scottish Highlands
• Wales (North & South)
• Blackpool

Holiday expenses​

The survey found that most Britons are planning three short UK breaks this year.

Out of those taking a summer break, one third will be opting for a seaside holiday, while one quarter will go for a city break.

A further 22 per cent will be taking a rural holiday, 20 per cent will be visiting relatives and 10 per cent will opt for a theme park-based holiday.

Out of the average staycation expenses of £422.69, the majority (£232.23) will be spent on travel and accommodation (down £20 from 2010), while a further £172.23 will be spent on visiting attractions (an increase of £67.23 from 2010).

When quizzed why they were choosing a British break this year, 38 per cent of respondents said it was cheaper than going abroad. The average foreign break is thought to cost £1427.58.