We have become a ‘Staycation Nation’ as this year is set to be another strong year for holidaying at home. This summer, over half of Britons (57%) will be taking their annual summer holiday in the UK which is an increase of 2% (55%) from 2017. The average length of the Staycation break is a week.
Interestingly this year, British holidaymakers are spoiling themselves and splashing out a little extra on their summer break – with an average spend of £823. This is an increase of 37% from last year (£599). It is also the highest spend since Travelodge started its annual holiday index in 2011 when the average spend was £399.28. Collectively Britons will boost the UK economy by £31 billion by holidaying on British shores this summer.
The Travelodge holiday report which surveys 3,000 British adults annually also revealed, a quarter (25%) of Britons are taking more UK short breaks this year. With 85% of us taking on average three Staycation breaks throughout 2018. The average spend per trip is £387.80 which collectively equates to £65 billion.
The report also revealed that 38% of Britons want to holiday in the UK rather than Europe in order to support their economy.
A traditional jaunt to the seaside remains a firm favorite with 55% of Britons flocking to Britain’s beaches this year. For the fourth consecutive year, Cornwall tops the Staycations charts as Britons top holiday destination. Devon takes second position and Bournemouth third place.
The UK’ rural landscape is a jewel of our national heritage which is why it is the second most popular type of summer holiday for Britons. This year a third (33%) of adults are taking a rural break. Top destinations are: The Lake District, Scottish Highlands and Cotswolds.
UK city breaks are the third most popular type of holidays for the British Culture Vultures with London, Edinburgh and Bath being holidaymaker’s top destinations in 2018.
The table below ranks top 10 Staycation destinations for 2018/2017:
| Rank
| 2018 Holiday Destination | 2017 Holiday Destination |
| 1. | Cornwall | Cornwall |
| 2. | Devon | Devon |
| 3. | Edinburgh | Lake District |
| 4. | London | London |
| 5. | Cotswolds | North Wales |
| 6. | Lake District | Scottish Highlands |
| 7. | Scottish Highlands | Edinburgh |
| 8. | North Wales | Blackpool |
| 9. | Bath | Norfolk Boards |
| 10. | Bournemouth | Isle of Wight |
The study also revealed the growing popularity of multi-location UK holidays with 40% of British holidaymakers expanding their vacation across two or three locations. This includes a beach, rural and city destination as part of their week’s break. Interestingly a fifth of pampered pets will be accompanying their owners on their summer Staycation this year.
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said: “Our annual holiday index confirms that we have become a Staycation Nation. More Britons than ever are exploring what makes Great Britain so great which is great news for our economy. Also 2018 is a great year for UK tourism; we have a royal hat trick with a new baby, wedding and the Queen’s 65th Coronation. Our 559 Travelodge hotels, which stretch the length and breadth of the UK, are gearing up for a busy summer. We are seeing more Britons booking three in one holidays. This includes taking a city, rural and coastal break as part of a one week holiday.”
The report has also highlighted that the UK’s top Staycationers are from Newcastle with 82% of Geordies revealing that they are taking a Staycation break this summer with the average spend at £762.44.
Wolverhamptoners take second place with 77% of residents from Wolverhampton spending £788 on their Staycation summer break.
Scousers win third place in the Staycation league table with 76% of Liverpudlians shunning a holiday abroad for a Staycation and spending on average £765.85 on their main summer holiday in the UK.
Brummies take fourth place with three quarter (75%) of residents from Birmingham opting to holiday at home this year with an average spend of £408.83.
Plymothians completes the top five UK Staycationer list with 72% of people from Plymouth flocking to British holiday hotspots this year and investing £874.06 on their annual summer trip.
The table below highlights the UK’s top Staycationers:
| Rank | Town/City | % taking a Staycation | Average Spend |
| 1. | Newcastle | 82% | £762.44 |
| 2. | Wolverhampton | 77% | £788.00 |
| 3. | Liverpool | 76% | £765.85 |
| 4. | Birmingham | 75% | £408.83 |
| 5. | Plymouth | 72% | £874.06 |
| 6. | Worcester | 71% | £903.45 |
| 7. | Norwich | 70% | £714.39 |
| 8. | Cardiff | 68% | £855.19 |
| 9. | Aberdeen | 67% | £645.50 |
| 10. | York | 66% | £805.76 |
The table below highlights the benefits of Staycation spend to the UK tourism industry over the last seven years:
| Year | Percentage of Britons Taking Staycations | Average Staycation Spend per Week per Family
| Total Benefit of Staycation Spend to UK Tourism Industry |
| 2011 | 35% | £422.69 | £7.2 billion |
| 2012 | 41% | £433.47 | £8.7 billion |
| 2013 | 65% | £399.28 | £12 billion |
| 2014 | 74% | £430.33 | £15 billion |
| 2015 | 70% | £501.28 | £16.5 billion |
| 2016 | 58% | £729.80 | £20 billion |
| 2017 | 55% | £599.80 | £17 billion |
| 2018 | 57% | £823.50 | £31 billion |
