With the cost of living crisis forcing households to cut costs, many may have decided to ditch holidays abroad in favour of a UK getaway - but this could leave you even more out of pocket, according to new research.
Research by On the Beach found that almost two thirds (63%) of Brits admitted to the cost of living having a negative impact on their holiday plans, with 41% of people saying they planned to have a UK 'staycation' rather than travelling abroad. But the travel experts found that an all-inclusive holiday abroad for a typical family of four during the October half term, including flights, accommodation, transfers and ATOL protection, cost £1,025 less on average than a UK getaway.
Comparing UK stays with popular European destinations showed a huge difference in prices, suggesting that Brits could collectively be paying an extra £28 billion by choosing not to go abroad for their holidays. A seven-day family break to Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest was found to cost £3,558 - compared to a week-long all-inclusive trip to Greece which would set holidaymakers back just £1,451, WalesOnline reports.
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Another comparison found that savings of just over £1,000 could be had by a family of four by staying at a four-star resort in Costa Dorada, Spain, for £1,706, compared to a National Trust property in West Sussex for £2,709. Zoe Harris, chief customer office at On the Beach, said: "It is worrying that so many people wrongly assume that a holiday in the UK will be cheaper than a trip abroad, as it could leave people hundreds if not thousands of pounds out of pocket."
Those surveyed said that they were considering other ways to save money on their holidays, with 33% planning to make packed lunches rather than eating at hotels and restaurants, and 27% saying that they would only bring hand luggage. 24% added that they would not fork out the extra cash to pre-book seats for flights, while 11% aren't planning to take out travel insurance for their next trip - but the travel experts have warned against this money-saving method.
"For the one in 10 people planning to ditch travel insurance to save money all I can say is - don’t," Zoe said. "It is a false economy to save tens of pounds on a policy and forgo the significant financial protection that travel insurance can provide, should you need medical treatment or lose your belongings."
On the Beach have created a 'Staycation Inflation' calculator for budding travellers to work out whether to opt for the UK or abroad when it comes to their next trip. Zoe advised: "With 70% of Brits saying that the most important thing to them about a holiday is good weather, and 76% prioritising cost, you have to wonder why anyone would pay a premium for a cold, soggy autumn holiday in the UK when they can enjoy drier, warmer weather at a fraction of the cost?"
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