Britons Are Splashing out and Spending £20 Billion This Summer on Their Staycation Holiday

The majority of Britons are not willing to sacrifice their summer holiday during the current ‘cost of living crisis’ but are opting for cost effective Minications - Cornwall, Devon, Isle of Wight, Whitby and Blackpool top Britons holiday destinations this summer

We're all going on a summer holiday despite the current ‘cost of the living crisis’  a new travel report by Travelodge has revealed. The majority (63%) of Britons have booked a summer holiday this year which is a 50% increase from the number of Britons (42%) that went away in the summer of 2022.

Nearly three quarters (72%) of these holidaymakers have opted to holiday on British shores this summer and discover what makes Great Britain so Great!               

Interestingly Britons are extending their length of holiday from an average of three days to five days and they are spending nearly double the amount of money on their British summer holiday this year compared to 2022. This year, Staycationers are splashing out on average £1011.30 for their holiday. Whereas last year they spent on average £513.13. 

The report also revealed that nearly a quarter (24%) of Britons are also breaking up their traditional two week holiday into multiple breaks throughout the year and taking two staycation during the summer months. Collectively Britons are set to spend £20 billion holidaying at home.    

These findings have been revealed in the latest segment of the 2023 Travelodge Travel Index. This study surveyed 2,000 British adults to seek their holiday plans for this summer. 

Key findings from this report also revealed that 25% of Britons reported that a summer holiday is one of the few things in life that they refuse to cut back on. 

Four out of ten (41%) of savvy Britons revealed in the study that they are making the most of Britain’s holiday hotspots and have created bespoke two centre holiday packages. By staying at two different locations as part of one  holiday they can have two different experiences. This could include either a coastal / seaside holiday with either a rural escape or a city break.        

The report also revealed that we are a nation that loves to be at the seaside as 43% of Britons are taking their summer holiday at a UK coastal destination this year. With over 250 miles of coastline and 300 beaches to explore, Cornwall tops  the 2023 top summer holiday staycation destinations chart. Devon takes second place with its 120 beaches and the gorgeous Jurassic Coast. Third place is taken by The Isle of Wight, the UK’s island paradise - which spans 13 miles north to south and 27 miles east to west. The island has been crowned a UNESCO Biosphere and offers 57 miles of coastline and over 20 stunning beaches          

The jewelof our national heritage, the British countryside is the second most popular type of summer holiday with a quarter (25%) of Britons opting for a rural break. The Lake District, with its rugged, alpine-like region of lakes, mountains and valleys interspersed with chocolate-box villages, hideaway pubs and secrete mountain trails comes in as the top rural destination for holidaymakers this summer. North Wales, which inhabits Snowdonia National Park, waterfalls, sea views and gothic architecture comes in at number two and making up the top three is the Scottish Highlands with its mountainous and mysterious surroundings overlooked by the ruins of mediaeval Urquhart Castle and famously known for mythical monster “Nessie”

A fifth (20%) of Britons are taking a UK city break this summer and visiting one of our capital cities - which are all very different. London, Edinburgh and Cardiff top the city break holiday destinations charts

The table below details the top holiday destinations Britons are visiting this summer 

Further research findings revealed that although the majority of Britons are not willing to forgo their summer holiday they are still conscious of their spending and will be looking at ways to make their pennies and pounds go further whilst  on holiday. Nearly half (46%) of Britons reported that they have budgeted to start each day whilst on holiday and breakfast like a king with a full English breakfast - as it is the most cost effective and tasty route to fuel an action packed holiday day out.

Over a third (35%) of holidaymakers reported that to help their holiday spend go further this summer they will get back to basics and shop in local supermarkets, shops and markets to find items to create a picnic to eat during the day. 

A fifth (20%) of holidaymakers reported they have been spending hours over the last couple of months to create a wallet of money saving coupons / vouchers for meal deals that they can use whilst on holiday.  

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.” 

“Breakfast like a king is certainly key for holidaymakers this summer, especially to help the holiday pounds go further this summer. We are seeing a rise in early breakfast bookings and our hotel teams are stocking up for a busy breakfast service this summer.  Especially as our great value unlimited Travelodge hot breakfast buffet menu is free for two children for each paying adult.  In addition to the traditional full English breakfast, we also offer stacks of pancakes with a berry compote, continental breakfast and a menu of Lavazza coffees.”            

Detailed below are further key findings from the 2023 Summer Travelodge Travel Index    

• A fifth (20%) of adults stated that since the Covid-19 pandemic they now prefer to holiday in the UK than go abroad. 

• Over a fifth (21%) of Britons reported that holidaying at home allows them to experience multiple types of experiences as part of one holiday.

• The biggest staycationers by region this year are from York, with 81% of Yorkie’s holidaying at home over the warmer months 

• Residents in Coventry are the UK’s biggest summer staycation spenders this year, who will be spending a whopping £1,480.40 on each of their summer staycations and will be enjoying at least two breaks away which equates to a whopping £2,960.80

• The top staycation age group is the 35-44 year olds with 76% of this age category opting for a UK based summer holiday this year