Many UK holidaymakers mistakenly think that a staycation is cheaper than a trip abroad. However, analysis by travel experts shows an all-inclusive trip overseas is now likely to cost less than a break at home. The new study also showed 29 per cent of those polled thought they would not be able to afford a holiday abroad this year.
According to online travel firm On the Beach, which commissioned the survey and whose experts analysed pricing trends for holidays at home and abroad, a family of four can save an average of £887.51 and as much as £2,001,56 on an all-inclusive foreign holiday compared with an equivalent stay at a staycation favourite. For example, in one case a seven-day family break in Devon was found to cost an eye-watering £2,949, while a week-long all-inclusive holiday to Greece was just £1,918, a difference of £1,031.
To show how far people’s money can really go, experts at On the Beach have created the ‘Staycation Inflation’ calculator. The holiday specialists compared the most popular UK destinations with European holidays, and rated each on the following factors:
Board basis
Accommodation cost
Travel cost
Food cost
Activities/entertainment
Average temperature
Average rainfall
Average hours of sunshine
Total cost
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, said: “I agree that a staycation costing more than a holiday abroad is unfair, after all, spending £3k on a week-long UK break is absolute madness when you can go all-inclusive to Cyprus for half that price.
“There’s nothing wrong with a UK holiday of course, but they are often positioned as the ‘cheap’ alternative to foreign trips, and that belief could impact a huge number of British travellers who are seeking sunshine breaks. The fact is, and our analysis shows, that people can save hundreds of pounds more on holidays to destinations where they can take in new cultures, experience different food, and benefit from a far higher chance of decent weather.
“The rising cost of fuel, food and other consumer goods has made Britain an expensive destination for its citizens to take a break in. So, for hard-working Brits in need of some relaxation, a ‘proper’ holiday isn’t a luxury, it makes financial sense.”
For more information, or to use the On the Beach ‘Staycation Inflation’ calculator, visit: www.staycationinflation.co.uk
