Nearly 18 million haven't holidayed in Britain in three years

4min read

21 May 2021

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• Staycations might be booming but more than 17.6 million haven't had a UK holiday
• UK seaside holidays are the most popular choice for staycations and the South West is the top destination
• Peak District is the cheapest holiday option for couples and families in the UK
• The Cotswolds is the most expensive couples' destination
• The Highlands is the most expensive for families

New research¹ from Direct Line Travel Insurance shows despite the predicted staycation summer more than 17.6 million UK adults have not had a UK holiday in the past three years, with many put off by the cost.

With sources² reporting a 41 per cent increase in UK staycation accommodation prices compared to 2020 and a 23 per cent increase compared to 2019, Direct Line's research shows more than two fifths of us (41 per cent) did travel for a UK staycations last year - the equivalent of 36.9 million trips - compared with only 15.8 million visits to Europe and 10.5 million to the rest of the world.

The study also found a third (33 per cent) of adults have not had a staycation and it is in fact the older holidaymakers who are most likely to avoid holidaying in the UK. Around two fifths (41 per cent) of over-55s have not had a home getaway in the past three years, compared with a third (31 per cent) of 35 to 54-year-olds and a quarter (25 per cent) of 18 to 34-year-olds.

It's not just a matter of the weather - one in four (25 per cent) say they always want to get out of the UK, while nearly four million (23 per cent) believe holidays in the UK are just too expensive. Just 3.1 million are put off by the temperamental British summer.

Staycationers are most likely to head for the coast, with seaside breaks the most popular option. Over a third (36 per cent) claim to choose the UK seaside, compared with 30 per cent who have been to the countryside and 16 per cent who opt for holiday resorts such as Center Parcs.

When it comes to destinations, the South West is the most popular choice as nearly a fifth (18 per cent) of home holidaymakers went there for their last trip. Scotland came in second with 11 per cent and Yorkshire & Humberside picked by one in 10 (10 per cent).

However, Direct Line Travel Insurance analysis³ shows the best value UK breaks are to be found in the Peak District away from the coast. A couple would pay around £1,092 for a week and family of four £1,485. The most expensive destination for a couple is the Cotswolds at £1,563 and for a family it's the Highlands at £2,039.

Table one: Average cost of a week's staycation in 10 popular destinations between July 17^th and 24^th for a couple and a family of four

Destination	Couple	Family of four
20202	2021	Increase	20202	2021	Increase
Cotswolds	£1,363	£1,564	£201	£1,696	£1,910	£214
Cornwall	£1,209	£1,377	£168	£1,690	£1,896	£206
Lake District	£1,178	£1,356	£178	£1,645	£1,875	£230
Snowdonia	£1,161	£1,317	£156	£1,588	£1,765	£176
Yorkshire Dales	£1,098	£1,250	£153	£1,396	£1,555	£160
Dorset	£1,074	£1,232	£157	£1,602	£1,835	£233
Edinburgh	£1,026	£1,161	£134	£1,550	£1,748	£198
Devon	£1,009	£1,145	£136	£1,418	£1,592	£174
Highlands	£1,026	£1,144	£118	£1,814	£2,040	£226
Peak District	£956	£1,093	£137	£1,297	£1,459	£162
AVERAGE	£1,112	£1,266	£154	£1,571	£1,769	£198

Source: Direct Line Travel Insurance 2021

Tom Bishop, Head of Direct Line Travel Insurance said: 'With frequent changes likely to the government's traffic light list for foreign holiday destinations this summer, it seems that the UK 'staycation' is going to be more popular than ever this summer. This means millions of holidaymakers are opting to visit places right here in the UK they perhaps wouldn't have thought about previously.

'The restrictions on foreign travel are going to be tough to handle for some with around one in three adults not having gone on holiday in the UK for the past three years and now having to contemplate a staycation for the first time. Wherever holidaymakers do end up they need to consider travel insurance as it's just as important to protect UK trips as it is for holidays overseas.'

Nearly three million adults (six per cent) plan to travel abroad this summer no matter what. However, one in five want to avoid planes for the foreseeable future while the same number will only go overseas if the Government says it is safe. Around one in four believe foreign holidays are not attractive because of COVID-19 restrictions.

For more information on Direct Line Travel Insurance visit www.directline.com/travel-insurance

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

¹ Research commissioned with Opinium between 30^th March and 1^st April 2021 among 2,002 UK adults

² Analysis conducted by holiday property management company Guesty in April 2021. Figures published in Table One for 2020 are based on current listed staycation prices and an estimated 23% rise in prices between 2020 and 2021 (excluding pricing changes in transport, activity and sustenance)

³ Desk research conducted using Google based on costs of staying at destinations between July 17^th and 24^th 2021 for a couple and a family of four. Total costs are based on average of accommodation costs at five Air BnB properties, transport costs, activity costs and food and drink

For further information please contact:

Simon Henrick
Head of News and Issues, Direct Line
Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 668

Email: [email protected]

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel, and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com/car-cover