As summer winds down and the school term approaches, a surge in last-minute domestic getaways is providing a much-needed boost to the UK’s tourism sector. Recent data reveals that a remarkable 70% of Brits chose to vacation within the UK this August, with an additional 21% planning to do so in the coming weeks. This trend indicates a growing preference for staycations, fueled by a combination of factors including the ongoing cost of living crisis and a renewed appreciation for the UK’s diverse and captivating travel destinations.
A significant 91% of Britons now consider the UK to be home to some of the world’s top travel destinations. Popular spots like Cornwall, the Yorkshire Dales, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Anglesey, and Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway consistently top the list of favorites. The cost of living crisis has undoubtedly influenced travel habits, with almost half of holidaymakers (47%) now regularly choosing domestic breaks – a significant increase from previous years.
Flexibility is another key attraction for UK staycations. Four out of ten families highlight the convenience of spontaneous road trips as a major perk of staying within the UK. While Brits are embracing domestic travel, those who do venture abroad often prefer to carry cash, particularly euros and dollars, over debit and credit cards. A recent survey of 2,000 people found that over two-thirds of adults are more likely to use foreign currency while traveling abroad than they are to use cash at home. This preference is driven by concerns about using bank cards overseas. The survey, conducted by card payment processor Lopay, also revealed that half of all travelers consistently carry local currency on their trips.
Interestingly, the over-45s are significantly more likely to take foreign cash compared to the under-25s, with 57% of the older group doing so versus 39% of the younger demographic. This data suggests a generational divide in how individuals approach managing finances while traveling abroad.
