Surprisingly it was about twenty years ago that the word ‘Staycation’ first popped into our language. By 2009 it was actually in dictionaries. In the USA they took a different view of its meaning - it all got really complicated with scholars arguing over the precise meaning - but in the UK a Staycation was soon defined as ‘taking a holiday in ones own country as opposed to travelling abroad’.
The financial crisis of 2008 understandably gave Staycations a real boost, both here and in the USA. Inevitably the COVID pandemic made all of us think again about travel, and much more besides.
And now? Well, so much of what we value, what we do, and how we set our priorities has changed. And there are more reasons than ever why a Staycation makes so much sense.
With fantastic scenery, great food and the ease of travel, there is no better time to start exploring the offerings of the UK. Here are seven reasons why people are choosing to holiday in their own country, rather than heading abroad:
1. COST
Beat the budget blues.
Let’s cut to the chase. You need to cut the costs. There may have been debates about the definition of a Staycation but there’s no doubt that it’s proved more cost effective.
Staycations have the benefit of being much more cost effective, making them accessible to more members of the family. The travel costs are less as there’s no need to spend masses of money on pricey flights, or hiring a car when you arrive.
And you can live it up for less. Self catering can pretty much equate to what you would have spent if you’d stayed at home. So the treats are more affordable! You’re not likely to spend much more on eating than you usually would at home, as you can shop at the same places and have your usual meal. Although, as you’re on holiday, you can treat yourself to an extra bottle of wine or two and some sweet treats…
2. GREAT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Nothing beats being together with family and friends.
Holidaying in the UK allows more members of your family or friendship group to get involved. As we’ve said, holidays abroad can generally be expensive if you’re not careful, especially if you’re intending on bringing lots of people along with you too.
A family holiday has always been a great idea, but somehow organising everybody for a holiday abroad was starting to get complicated and costly wasn’t it? Each person will have a different budget or idea of what to do which can get awkward.
The length of travel can also put people off, the older generation don’t like travelling too far from home, and taking younger children on long journeys can also be a challenge.
But here’s the thing. We’ve never wanted to share time with family and friends more than right now. The pandemic taught us that it was time to redefine our values. It’s not all about the swankiest hotel in the most stylish resort. It’s about being together and having fun. You can’t beat a staycation for minimising the hassle and maximising the holiday.
Staycations are usually much more affordable, and it makes for a fantastic holiday when more people can get involved! A staycation has the advantage of a much shorter travel time, which helps keep everyone happy.
There’s another point too. Pets are part of the family and leaving them behind to go holidaying abroad is expensive.
3. PETS
For many of us, our four-legged friends are a part of the family.
Leaving them at home can be one of the hardest parts of a holiday. And it can be expensive too! Ever been away and the cattery cost as much as your stay?
You can often take them with you on your UK staycation, depending on where you’re staying. You certainly can if you own your own holiday home! They get to join in the fun and be there while you make all your memories.
4. LESS STRESS
It’s the ultimate irony that planning a break can be really stressful.
Organising a holiday abroad can be stressful, and you sometimes need a break from just the planning of it! We all love the digital world when it works (what would we do without online banking) but airline websites - really? The prices change by the minute, the baggage allowances are impossible and there’s that awful possibility of the email that says ‘flight cancelled’. That’s without getting to the airport (how many hours ahead? ) the cost of parking, and the panic over passports. All of that before you’ve even set off.
Then comes the travel; the tired kids, the time zones and the taxis. With passports to find, destinations to pick and planes to catch, coordinating everything can become tricky, and tiring.
Little wonder that more and more people are beating the stress by choosing a staycation. You set your own schedule, set off when it suits you and stop for a break when you want.
With a staycation, there’s no need to panic about flight delays or running late on the way to the airport. You can leave your house when you like, stop off for lunch if you want to, or maybe even see some sights along the way. You won’t lose your luggage as it’ll be safe in the back of your car, in the same place you left it. Or even left at your very own holiday home, which is one of the joys of setting up a home away from home!
There will be no switching time zones, messing up your sleep patterns or kids bouncing off the walls in the middle of the night. Travel can be stressful, why not make it easier by cutting out more than half of the journey and staying in one of the beautiful places in the UK?
Motoring experts and national treasure Halfords have ideas to keep the kids happy in the car, or check out motoring fan website Wheels Alive too. It’s a fund of information including the best places to find food on your journey. You see? Even the journey can be fun - and far less stressful - when you holiday at home rather than abroad.
5. EXPLORE YOUR OWN COUNTRY
Beat a path to all that the UK has to offer.
There are so many stunning locations in the UK; we have mountains, beaches, rolling hills and lakes. Our coastlines and countryside really take some beating. No UK holidays would be complete without a day spent on the beach, a dip in the sea and an ice cream. Soak up the amazing scenery and relax on your staycation.
If there is a place in the UK that you have always wanted to visit, why not tick it off your bucket list this year and spend a week or two in one of the glorious places on offer? You’ll discover just how wonderful your own country is and you’ll be telling people how much you enjoyed it and that they should give it a go too.
Places like the Broads National Park, the Yorkshire Moors, the Lincolnshire Wolds and the Essex Coast are all stunning places to explore within the UK. And Tingdene offer holiday homes of your very own at all of these locations! From lodges and caravans to brick built villas, there’s something for every style and budget.
And maybe this is how you can help beat climate change. Even after you’ve ruled out the cost, stress, hassle and unpredictability of international travel there’s still the issue of how damaging to the environment air travel can be. Fewer air miles makes far more sense.
6. FOOD AND DRINK
You can’t beat the best of British food.
The UK is a perfect destination for foodies, your tastebuds can enjoy flavours from all over the world, without ever having to hop on a plane. The hotspot includes the classic English dishes, fish and chips and a traditional Sunday roast or gourmet restaurants serving the finest locally produced and foraged foods to fusion foods.
Wherever you go you’ll find an ever-increasing choice of superb food and drink. If you need reminding - or you want to find out more - it’s worth checking out Visit Britain’s online guide to the food of the uk’s regions.
7. YOUR OWN UK HOLIDAY HOME
The idea to beat them all.
To really make the most of the Staycation concept there’s no better idea than having your own UK holiday home. It ticks all the boxes.
It’s somewhere to go to when you want to. It’s a sensible financial decision and means your holidays become more cost effective as time goes by. As to spending time with family and friends, it’s the perfect place. Check out Tingdene Holiday Parks for the best selection of holiday home parks across the UK.
All over the UK there are places you will love. You can go east and discover The Broads, or the Norfolk and Suffolk coastlines.
Start with Waveney River Centre - its an authentic Broads setting with superb views across the East Anglian landscape. Their on-site facilities make this par a peaceful retreat in a quiet setting, but just a short drive will get you to Beccles and beyond.
Broadlands Park & Marina has everything to offer in a staycation location, with it’s on-site bar and restaurant, swimming pool and Marina, and within walking distance of the quaint Oulton Broad and not far from the Suffolk coastlines at Lowestoft.
If golf is your thing, as well as stellar facilities and being within close proximity of quintessential seaside towns like Gorleston and Great Yarmouth, it’s well worth checking out Caldecott Hall Country Park.
In fact, when it comes to the east, you can’t get more easterly than North Denes Caravan Park. When you’re this far east, you’re first to see the sun rise on your Staycation, being close to Ness Point.
Think about the wolds and beaches of Lincolnshire. And don’t forget all the seaside fun of the legendary Skegness. There’s fantastic holiday home opportunities in the area at Mablethorpe Chalet & Caravan Park.
Further north in Yorkshire, the terrain and the landscape are some of the best in the UK. Take a look at new beachfront holiday home developments at South Shore in East Yorkshire, and caravans for sale at Redcar Beach in North Yorkshire.
Seven reasons to seriously consider Staycations, and a lot of ground covered. Your own UK holiday home could just be the best thing you ever do. It certainly puts a staycation on to another level. Financially sound, stress reducing, environmentally sensitive. Oh, and great fun! Can you beat that?