Over half of UK holidaymakers are likely to choose staycations above holidays abroad – due to climate change

The climate emergency is making staycations more appealing, according to new research from Mintel, as 56% of UK holidaymakers say they are likely to choose staycations above holidays abroad for climate-related reasons*.

Around three in ten (28%) UK holidaymakers say warmer UK temperatures are encouraging them to take domestic holidays. Meanwhile, nearly a fifth (19%) of them say extreme weather events abroad such as heatwaves or flooding are encouraging them to holiday at home.

Overall, four in ten (39%) holidaymakers say unpredictable UK weather (e.g. flooding, heatwaves) means they are more likely to book a UK break at the last minute.

There remains a ‘positive COVID’ legacy for the home market as nearly half (47%) of domestic holidaymakers have taken more staycations than trips abroad since COVID-19.

This comes as more than half (55%) of Brits say they intend to holiday in the UK this year up from 52% last year. Almost a third (32%) have discovered a new UK destination due to COVID-19 travel disruptions.

The number of Brits planning on booking a holiday in the first quarter of the year has reached a 10 year high as Mintel reveals a record four in ten (39%) Brits are planning on booking a holiday between January and March 2024, up from three in ten (29%) who were planning on doing so in 2023.

Paul Davies, Category Director – Travel and Leisure at Mintel, said:

“Holidays remain a key priority for the majority of Brits, with booking intentions for early 2024 being the highest on record, and we expect it to be a really positive summer for holiday taking as people are eager to have something exciting to look forward to.

“While the holiday sector is benefitting from the continued increase in consumers’ financial confidence and wellbeing, holidays have become more expensive and prices are likely to remain relatively high for some time to come. As such, extra overseas ‘top-up’ breaks will be sacrificed by many, as Brits continue to prioritise their main summer holiday.

“Away from the UK, rising temperatures have also led travellers to seek out cooler climates such as Scandinavia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Brits remain eager to explore overseas destinations, but instead will be tempted to visit during cooler months, plan their trips last-minute or choose destinations which tend to not be as impacted by extreme temperatures. We’re also likely to see a spike in demand again for last minute bookings in 2024 should the UK experience poor weather.”

Notes to Editors

*Consumers were asked about the impact of the following on their travel plans — warmer weather in the UK, concern about heatwaves and flooding abroad and higher carbon emissions (eg from flying) abroad.

Sample – 2,000 internet users aged 16+