Brits urged to book their staycations as soon as possible – as prices rise at UK holiday spots as bookings surge
UK holidays are already in demand for the summer, following a similar boom in 2020 which saw campsites and holiday parks sell out in popular holiday spots.
As travel restrictions and border closures remain in place, and the lockdown likely to continue until Easter, a staycation holiday this year is looking increasingly likely.
Last year, last minute travel restrictions throughout the summer prompted scenes of Brits rushing back to the UK before quarantine rules came into force.
Families who are nervous about getting caught up in something similar this summer are opting to stay closer to home for their annual break.
As a result, holiday parks and campsites are already reporting a huge influx of reservations and Brits looking to take a domestic holiday are encouraged to book soon.
Visit Cornwall boss Malcom Bell told the Telegraph that bookings for the holiday hotspot are up as much as 50 per cent, not just because of advance reservations but also from people moving their 2020 holidays to 2021.
Holiday rental company holidaycottages.co.uk reported an 85 per cent increase week-on-week rise in bookings, while Away Resorts have reported a boom in bookings, which are up 14 per cent year-on-year.
- Seven nights at Sandford Holiday Park in Dorset from £16pp a night – book here
- Seven nights at Seaview Holiday Village in Cornwall from £18.50pp a night – book here
- Seven nights at Skegness Apartment in Norfolk from £16pp a night – book here
- Seven nights at The Smythy in the Cotswolds from £18pp a night – book here
- UK summer breaks with Haven – from £49
- UK hotel rooms with Booking.com – from £29
- Cornwall cottages with Cottages.com – from £285
- 50 per cent off Pontins breaks – book here
Even last year, people were looking at 2021 holidays.
Camping website Pitchup.com had 1,400 bookings for this summer – an increase of 500 per cent – while Canopy and Stars, who offer glamping holidays, had more bookings for August 2021 than last August, and are seeing double the bookings for May this year.
With a lack of demand comes more expensive trips – last year’s boom also led to struggling tour operators upping their prices to recoup lost profits.
Facebook user Sallyanne said she “looked on Haven Sunday night, went to book Monday morning and the price had doubled.”
Someone else added: “So we can look forward to domestic holiday prices going through the roof.”
A number of MPs have already warned about taking precautions if booking a holiday abroad later this year, and advising staying in the UK.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I’m going to Cornwall. And I have said before I think we’re going to have a great British summer.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab agreed, telling LBC radio regarding trips abroad: “I think at the moment it’s too early, I think you have to follow the guidance that we’re putting out.”
Dr Hilary had an even bleaker outlook on going abroad this year while on Good Morning Britain: “I think people thinking about holidays this summer are barking up the wrong tree, I really do.”
“Not just because the situation here won’t be better, but because of where we’re going to may be lagging behind us with vaccinations and people will be nervous about going somewhere and getting stuck there.”
However some government officials are more optimistic – Tory MP Sir Graham Brady said: “It is great news the vaccination programme is going so well.
“There should be a clear schedule set out for unlocking as more and more people are protected. And hopefully people will be able to get away for their summer holidays.”
PC Agency’s Paul Charles also said that he expects short-haul destinations such as Greece and Spain to re-open to Brits by the summer.
European destinations are keen to welcome Brits back this summer as well, in particular Greece, Spain and Cyprus which rely on UK travellers, and are looking at mandatory negative tests and vaccination passports to allow travel to resume.
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Brits who do want to book a holiday abroad should check the terms and conditions before booking – some tour operators and airlines are offering quibble-free refunds, while others are giving refunds or travel vouchers.
Package holidays are also ATOL-protected so if the holiday cannot go ahead, will protect your money.
Anyone booking a trip abroad this year should be ready for changes at short notice, including new entry restrictions and border closures.
The UK has some beautiful staycation spots – we’ve rounded up the best Bridgerton-inspired homes you can rent across the UK.
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