The 2014 Travelodge holiday index reveals that, this year, the Staycation break reaches record levels as three quarters (74%) of Britons choose to holiday at home. This is the fifth consecutive year that the Staycation trend has grown. Furthermore the UK economy is set to receive a welcome boost of £15 billion (up £3.2bn from 2013) as holidaymakers increase their average spend to £430.33 (an increase of £31.05 from last year).
The annual holiday report surveyed 3,000 adults about their holiday plans for 2014 and key findings revealed that the number of Britons holidaying at home has more than doubled since 2011. (See table below for full breakdown from 2010 to 2014).
With London and Cornwall topping the list of Staycation destinations, Travelodge has also published a Get Up & Go Guide for people looking to visit here
51% take short breaks through the year
Interestingly the report also revealed that 51% of Britons are taking lots of short breaks throughout the year, so that they have a constant stream of holidays to look forward to – rather than just one big break. Just over a third (34%) of these people will take two short breaks, 37% will enjoy three getaways, and 12% will take four short holidays throughout the year.
The report also revealed a growing trend of Britons taking multi location holidays, with 17% of holidaymakers taking multiple location trips during one holiday.
Seaside back in vogue
Other key findings revealed that the traditional seaside holiday is back in vogue as 40% of British holidaymakers are taking a coastal break this summer. A jaunt to the seaside steals the number one position from city breaks which topped the poll in 2013. Top coastal destinations that Britons will be flocking to this summer include: Cornwall, Devon, Blackpool, Brighton, Scarborough, Bournemouth, Whitby, Skegness, Isle of Wight and Great Yarmouth.
Thirty seven per cent of Britons will still take a city break this year with London, Edinburgh and York topping the list of most popular city locations. In third place 28% of holidaymakers are opting for a rural break this summer with the Scottish Highlands and Lake District being the favourite destinations.
The year of the Staycation
Peter Gowers, Travelodge Chief Executive said:
“2014 looks like being the year of the Staycation. More of us than ever before are being inspired to get up and go and explore what Britain has to offer. At Travelodge, we’re seeing particularly strong demand from families and couples having multiple short breaks rather than the traditional fortnight. It all points to the fact that the nation’s desire for a great holiday is still with us, but more than ever, we’re all looking for great value and finding it here in the UK.”
Importance of value
The importance of value to Britons is evident, being more important than location, images and feedback when booking a holiday. Almost a quarter (22%) say value is the thing that most influences them when booking a holiday, above location (20%), pictures and images (14%), online reviews (12%) and word of mouth from friends and family (10%).
Further research findings also revealed that over half (52%) of Britons reported that holidaying at home offers much better value than going abroad – as the average foreign break costs £1,113.91.
Top Staycation destinations in 2014 and 2013
To inspire Britons to get up & go, and explore Britain, Travelodge has released 150,000 rooms across the UK for £25 or less for stays up to 31stAugust 2014. To book, go to www.travelodge.co.uk
With London and Cornwall topping the list of Staycation destinations, Travelodge has also published a Get Up & Go Guide for people looking to visit at: www.travelodge.co.uk/getupandgoguide
A full copy of the 2014 Travelodge Holiday Index can be downloaded at www.travelodge.co.uk
Staycation Results – 2010-2014