Travel

The rise of the staycation – is Brexit to thank for Britain’s holiday boost?


The Brexit countdown is ticking, with the UK’s departure from the EU mere days away. With talk of new passports, visas and health insurance losses, 15.6 million surveyed British residents say their biggest concern about Brexit is how it will affect their holiday. However, according to ABTA, staycations could be set for a boost as a result.

The 2020 travel trends report from ABTA reveals that 56 percent of Britons are planning a domestic getaway.

Rising concerns surrounding travel implications after the January 31 departure could be to blame.

While Britons will not be required to get entirely new passports, anyone with less than six-months on their travel documents may be denied travel.

Furthermore, many travel insurance policies could be invalid after the Brexit deadline.

Lonely Planet released its 2020 travel destination roundup and crowned England the second-best destination for holidaymakers.

Amongst its highlights, the experts highlighted England’s coastlines, as well as “timeless treasures” such as historic castles, cathedrals and villages.

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Despite the concerns, it seems the UK remains a top tourist destination, not just with foreign visitors, but for Britons too.

Lonely Planet released its 2020 travel destination roundup and crowned England the second-best destination for holidaymakers.

Amongst its highlights, the experts highlighted England’s coastlines, as well as “timeless treasures” such as historic castles, cathedrals and villages.

Catherine Lynn is a Chief Customer Officer at Parkdean Resorts, a UK-based holiday resort that offers holiday rentals across the country.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Ms Lynn revealed that the UK staycation industry is experiencing a boom.

She said: “We’ve seen a rapid increase over a number of years, resulting in our biggest ever online booking day last week, with locations such as the Lake District, Northumberland and Scotland most popular.”

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Though Brexit is not the only reason for this increase, Ms Lynn points out that concerns such as the fluctuating exchange rate could be largely at play.

“Uncertainty around Brexit has weakened the pound over the last few years, meaning travel money doesn’t go as far, so consumers stand to get more bang for their buck by staying in the UK,” she points out.

“You also don’t have the hassle of changing any money before you go on holiday!”

Indeed, the exchange rate has seen some of its lowest points in recent years amid Brexit uncertainty.

International Money Expert Ian Stafford-Taylor of Equals (formerly known as FairFX) explained that the pound is currently 10 percent lower than it was one the day of the EU referendum in June 2016.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for Britons to enjoy a holiday without having to worry about international currencies.

The travel experts at ABTA also name a boost in “luxury short breaks” and “dog-friendly staycations” as a driving force behind the domestic holiday.

Meanwhile, Ms Lynn also highlights short journey times, family-focused offerings and the elimination of luggage concerns as further reasons to ditch the traditional foreign holiday.

International Money Expert Ian Stafford-Taylor of Equals (formerly known as FairFX) explained that the pound is currently 10 percent lower than it was one the day of the EU referendum in June 2016.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for Britons to enjoy a holiday without having to worry about international currencies.

The travel experts at ABTA also name a boost in “luxury short breaks” and “dog-friendly staycations” as a driving force behind the domestic holiday.

Meanwhile, Ms Lynn also highlights short journey times, family-focused offerings and the elimination of luggage concerns as further reasons to ditch the traditional foreign holiday.



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