Compared with previous downturns, short breaks in the UK are booming. Today’s families can’t afford the cost or time of $7K international trips. The change comes as costs continue to squeeze budgets, and more Americans than ever are wishing for a seamless, stress-free holiday experience. All of this means families are planning trips at the last minute, and in fact, data reports indicate that families are booking trips with only two days lead time.
Meanwhile, at the Butlin’s holiday park in Skegness, bookings have increased 22 times in the last fortnight. Resort director Andrew Leivers noted, “The last couple of weeks we’ve seen a real surge.” This boom in domestic tourism points to a larger trend, as families look for affordable alternatives.
For families like Kayleigh Fry’s, who is enjoying a four-night stay at Butlin’s with her sister-in-law Kelly Towers and their children, convenience is key. Kelly Towers expressed, “It’s easier. You can take a lot more with you when you stay in this country. There are so many pretty places out there in the UK.”
The Davis family from Dudley are perfect representatives of this development, as they frequently spend the summer camping with their kids Sam and Poppy. They have rigged their tents with sophisticated gadgets, including electricity and carpets, making their living conditions as comfortable as possible. Andy Davis stated, “It’s a cheaper holiday than going abroad and we still get a break with the kids.”
On the home exchange side, in Lincoln, the Harmston family enjoyed the spontaneity of home exchange, making reservations for their traveling family just two weeks before they arrived. Kirsty Harmston, pictured above, said “We always go in for a last minute bargain. We’d shelled out the cash in advance so we had a clear idea of our budget and were just looking to snag a deal. She highlighted the financial aspect, saying, “The worst thing of going on holiday is everything else is added on top… you’ve got to pay extra and extra.”
Like Chelsea, Manchester’s Adam Mahony has gotten in the spirit of the glamping revolution by replacing his camping equipment. Chelsea remarked, “We decided last week that we couldn’t afford to go abroad this year so we bought a cheap tent online and thought let’s just try something closer to home.” This is a huge advantage for equity, she explained, adding that while kids are learning outdoors, “They’ve gotten some fresh air and space to move around. really, isn’t the main thing Its all in how it doesn’t feel like home.
Today’s families are thinking beyond comfort to consider how they’re going to afford their trips. Nigel Dutton, owner of Manor Wood Country Caravan Park, noted, “People can pre-pay; it’s all budgeted, so they know exactly what it’s going to cost them.” He attributed this trend as a resurgence in camping culture. It provides families an opportunity to retreat from everyday pressures at little cost.
Six-year-old Poppy Davis encapsulated the joy of these outings, saying, “I just really like coming with my friends and family. I just really like sleeping in a tent, even though my dad really wants a caravan.” Her excitement is indicative of how many kids today experience joy for the first time through outdoor play.
As the summer goes on, staycations look like they’re winning out as the popular option for most British families. With great-value three-, four- and seven-night stays on offer, holidays suit a range of budgets and tastes.