More than HALF of Britons are planning staycations this summer after last year’s post-Covid airport caused misery for thousands
- Flight delays and airport chaos make travelling miserable for a third of Brits
More than half of Brits have planned to staycation rather than jet abroad this summer, in a bid to avoid travel chaos.
Holidaying is made miserable by flight delays and havoc at airports for a third of Brits, according to a survey by Visit Cornwall.
A third also can’t bear the heat when travelling outside of the UK, despite the country experiencing its own hot summers in recent years.
And amid the cost of living crisis, the preferred time for staycationing is now between April in June – as Brits battle for lower-cost breaks.
The survey found that, in total, 56 per cent of Britons will be taking a ‘staycation’ in 2023.
Aerial Photograph of Crantock Beach and Pentire Head, Newquay, Cornwall – a popular UK staycation destination
The Glenfinnan Viaduct carries the West Highland Railway Line high above Glenfinnan valley beside the lochs and mountains of Scotland – the Highlands are another popular holiday destination
Abi Steel, tourism manager at Visit Cornwall, said that people are also opting instead for trips where they can ‘experience the true character of an area’ rather than simply heading to the beach.
‘There has been a surge of interest in the likes of wildlife tours, learning-based experiences and activities which offer a chance to go behind the scenes,’ she said.
‘It’s all about wandering off the tourist trail to discover lesser-known spots and enjoy local food and drink.’
Ms Steel added that Cornwall is a ‘whatever the weather’ spot with ‘incredible hospitality’, insisting Brits don’t need to wait until summer to enjoy their first sea swim of the year.
In terms of holiday spots around the UK, 30 per cent are opting for the South West while East Anglia (9%) and Northern Ireland (6%) are at the bottom of the wish list.
READ MORE: Yorkshire is unveiled as Britain’s most desirable staycation spot, with Cornwall, the Highlands, Cumbria and Northumberland all in top five UK holiday destinations
But staying in this country isn’t without its niggles either – 21 per cent say that pesky seagulls stealing their chips is the biggest problem.
The survey comes as Yorkshire was last month revealed as Britain’s most desirable staycation destination for this year.
The northern England region has been named as the most popular place to visit this year thanks to its picturesque coastal towns and rolling dales, the new survey of 2,000 adults revealed.
Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands, Cumbria and Northumberland followed close behind. Norfolk, Ayrshire, and Kent were also identified as priorities for those wanting to escape tourist hotspots.
The OnePoll study, commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, echoed the results of Visit Cornwall’s, finding that 52 per cent of participants could not see themselves booking a trip abroad this year.
Of those taking a staycation, 43 per cent predicted average spend totalling £1,200. Many are booking trips in areas less known to tourists because of lower price points and a desire to avoid crowds and have flexibility when booking meals.
When it comes to the style of their staycation, a countryside B&B appeals to 30 per cent while 28 per cent are looking to visit lakes and mountains.
The report also found nearby beaches, decent Wi-Fi and plenty of outdoor space are among the top things people look for when renting a holiday home.
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