Millions of Brits admit they prefer staycations to holidays abroad

MILLIONS find staycations more relaxing than foreign breaks due to the lack of airport stress and language barriers.

A poll of 2,000 holidaymakers found 29 per cent rate trips within the UK less stressful than those abroad – with shorter travel distance and keeping the same currency also among the top reasons.

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This compares to 22 per cent who cite foreign holidays as more relaxing.

Exactly six in 10 prefer to be able to speak the same language when on holiday and 14 per cent of those with children claim their parenting approach is more relaxed on home soil.

As a result, a quarter prefer booking a break within their own country, with 29 per cent planning on doing so this summer.

And when it comes to a UK holiday, outdoor hot tubs, local pubs, and scenic walks are among the most relaxing things those polled experience.

Graham Donoghue, chief executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, which commissioned the research, said: “Holidays are a time to reset and take some much-needed respite from our day-to-day pressures.

“With shorter travel times, avoiding airport check-in queues, and no language barriers to contend with, it is no surprise that our research has found staycations to be more relaxing than a holiday abroad.

“There is such an abundance of fantastic locations to explore across the UK, staycationers can enjoy a wealth of stress-free holiday experiences to relax and recharge.”

Following the findings, Sykes Holiday Cottages has created a relaxation hub where people can enjoy the sights and sounds of a staycation to help them feel as stress-free as they would on a British break.

According to those polled, the most relaxing sounds that help to bring back feelings of worry-free holidays include waves crashing (60 per cent), birds tweeting (40 per cent) and food sizzling on a barbeque (16 per cent).

It also emerged that during a two-week break in the UK, half said it would take them up to two days to fully relax, while just 42 per cent would unwind in this time on a holiday abroad.

Knowing they couldn’t easily come home if there was an emergency (30 per cent), the stress of the airport (52 per cent) and needing more planning (32 per cent) were among the reasons why travelling abroad is not a relaxing experience.

While 36 per cent have had something stressful happen while holidaying in a foreign country, according to the OnePoll study.

With respondents highlighting baggage going missing, long travel delays, medical emergencies, and suffering from food poisoning as some of the most stressful experiences affecting their enjoyment.

In comparison, 75 per cent think you know what to expect from a staycation and 84 per cent reckon the UK is just as beautiful as any other country.

Before setting off, a quarter plan an itinerary to help make it more relaxing and 25 per cent pack far in advance.

Cornwall (17 per cent), Lake District (12 per cent) and the Scottish Highlands (11 per cent) were named the most relaxing locations when taking a staycation, thanks to the remote locations away from the hustle and bustle, idyllic scenery and opportunities to get out in nature.

It also emerged 73 per cent like to explore different destinations when booking a UK break.

Graham Donoghue added: “Our research has shown that many people are opting to holiday on home soil this summer to ensure their break is as stress-free as possible.

“The UK is home to so many hidden gems, from stunning beaches in Cornwall to rolling countryside in the Lake District and the beauty of the remote Scottish Highlands.

“There are endless opportunities to escape the everyday and enjoy a relaxing holiday without the stress of foreign travel.”