UK adults choose
to spend an average of £875 per trip enjoying staycations in 2023
Wales tops the
list for domestic holiday destinations as travellers chase the coast and
country
As the summer holidays come into focus for
families, new research1 from American Express has found that UK
adults are set to spend £875 on the average staycation* in 2023. In total, spend
on holidaying at home will hit £25.9bn in 20232, with over a quarter of Brits (27%)
planning to spend more on staycations compared to last year.
Staycations
are on the rise this year, with holidaymakers looking to explore stunning
coastlines, countryside retreats and vibrant cities on their doorstep. Last
year, UK adults took just one domestic holiday, on average. This year, of those
who are holidaying in the UK, the average number of trips is predicted to be
two.
Compared to other age groups, Gen Z and Millennials
are most likely to take a staycation, with 64% planning a UK holiday in 2023.
Younger travellers tend to be more frugal though, spending an average of £716
on a staycation. In comparison, Gen X are the largest staycation spenders,
totalling £989 per trip.
Long-time
no sea
When it comes to destinations, UK adults are split
between an escape to the beach and city sightseeing. Coastal getaways and city
trips are the most common types of staycation, with two thirds (66%) of UK
adults planning one or the other (coastal trip 33%, city breaks 33%).
Wales tops the list for UK staycation spots in
2023, 14% of domestic tourists are looking to make the most of castles, coasts
and mountains in the Land of Song. Bright lights, national icons and cultural
attractions could all contribute to putting London as the second most popular
destination for staycationers in 2023 (12%), narrowly coming ahead of Cornwall
and the Lake District (both 11%).
Room with a view
The average total cost Brits plan to spend on staycations
this year is £1,367.
Whether it’s a hotel, holiday
home or caravan, accommodation comes out as the largest staycation expense,
with holidaymakers spending £507 per year, on average, booking places to stay across
their 2023 staycations. Travel comes in next, with journeys on staycations costing
domestic tourists £291 a year.
Maggie
Boyle, Vice President at American Express said, “This new research finds that
half of Brits will holiday in the UK this year, with proximity to restaurants,
bars and cafes a top staycation priority for many (57%). With this in mind, as Brits
continue to embrace domestic holidays post-pandemic, American Express
Cardmembers are able to make their staycation spending go further, by earning
valuable Membership Rewards points.”
Those
looking to book hotel stays in the UK can do so through Amex Travel. Eligible Cardmembers are able to spend or earn
Membership Rewards points on pre-paid hotel bookings, and even access exclusive
benefits to elevate their stay through The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels +
Resorts programmes. Terms apply.
NOTES TO EDITORS
*Staycation
as defined by Collins Dictionary is ‘a holiday that you spend in your own home
or your own country, relaxing and enjoying leisure activities there.’ Link: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/staycation
1Research
was conducted by Opinium. Sample was of 2,000 UK adults (18+). Results were
weighted to be nationally representative. Fieldwork took place 14-16 June 2023.
2In a nationally representative survey
of 2000 UK adults, 1121 said they have or are planning to take a holiday in the
UK this year. 1121 / 2000 * 52890000 =
29,644,845 or 29.6 million. On average UK holidaymakers are spending £875 on
staycations this year. 29,644,845 * £875 = £25,939,239,375 or £25.9 billion