Lockdown is Over but Brits are Still Staying Home

Durdle Door located near Lulworth in Dorset.

Sun-loving Brits take their chances on the UK weather as they elect to staycation this year.

Holidays abroad are off the cards for many Brits this year, as few countries are on the green travel list. Even countries lucky enough to be on the green list will see a decrease in British tourists as many can’t afford to risk that the status will remain the same. This is because countries statuses are forever changing; a change to amber or red could mean quarantining on return and extra days off work.

Quarantining isn’t the only thing putting the public off from foreign travel, vaccine passports and mandatory covid tests are further unappealing factors for many holidaymakers.

With two-thirds (62%) of British people plan to spend their summer holiday in the UK this year, according to an annual poll by Sykes Holiday Cottages. Whilst this may be primarily due to the firm rules brought in by the government regarding travel, there are other reasons. For example, lockdown puppies. Those who bought a furry companion over lockdown will be, understandably, reluctant to part with them and instead choose a pet-friendly holiday.

And of course, the UK has also been fortunate to see the majority of its restrictions lifted – unlike other countries – which makes breaks in Britain even more desirable.

So, it's no wonder that prices have soared for staycations this year as Brits scramble to book last-minute holidays at home. A snapshot investigation conducted by Which? Found prices are up by 35% on average at popular spots around the UK.

But which places are the most popular?

Sykes Holiday Cottages 2021 Staycation Index found the most popular regions for summer holidays in 2021 were:

1. North Wales

2. Cumbria

3. Cornwall

4. Devon

5. North Yorkshire

6. Yorkshire Dales

7. Peak District

8. South wales

9. East Anglia

10. Dorset

These hotspots, and many others, are expected to remain popular for years to come. Especially since no one is quite sure what the future holds and how the coronavirus pandemic will shape it.