Forget about jet-setting to Europe or sunbathing in the tropics—UK residents are rediscovering the charm of their own backyard. The staycation trend is booming, and it's shaking up everything from travel plans to insurance uptake. Let's dive into the quirks and trends of this newfound love for local holidays and how it’s impacting travel insurance.
Home sweet holiday
Guess what? A whopping 52% of us Brits are choosing to holiday right here in the UK. That’s right, more than half of us are saying “cheerio” to international travel and “hello” to the homeland. Europe is still on the radar for 42% of holidaymakers, but the rest of the world? Only 17% are venturing that far. And 18%? Well, they’ve decided to keep it ultra-local with no holidays at all!
42% are indulging in just one staycation this year, but for others, once isn’t nearly enough. 34% are planning to holiday twice in the UK during 2024, and 23% have fully embraced the staycation trend, with three or more trips pencilled into their 2024 calendar.

Where are people heading?
For those holidaying in the UK, England takes the crown with 83% of staycationers exploring its nooks and crannies. From the historic charm of York to the vibrant buzz of London, England offers a diverse array of experiences. Scotland, with its rugged landscapes and rich history, attracts 21% of domestic tourists. Whether it’s hiking in the Highlands or exploring Edinburgh’s cultural treasures, Scotland doesn’t disappoint. Wales, known for its stunning coastlines and friendly locals, sees 19% of staycationers. Northern Ireland, though smaller in numbers at 4.97%, offers unique attractions like the Giant’s Causeway and vibrant Belfast.
Staycation motivation
So, why exactly are Brits choosing to stay local? The reasons are as varied as the British weather:
- Convenience is key: 44% love the ease of holidaying close to home. No long-haul flights, no jet lag—just a short drive or train ride away to your holiday destination.
- Explorers at heart: 40% want to uncover more of the UK’s hidden gems. There’s a growing desire to discover and appreciate the beauty and diversity within our own borders.
- Budget-Friendly: 19% say they can’t afford to go abroad, and 21% are all about that low-cost holiday life. With the rising cost of living, staying local offers a more affordable way to relax and unwind without breaking the bank.
- Pet-Friendly Perks: 15% can't leave their furry friends behind. UK holidays make it easier to bring along pets, avoiding the stress and cost of pet sitters or kennels.
Only 11% have been put off by the soaring summer temperatures on the continent and just 9% are actively trying to reduce their carbon footprint.

Short and sweet or long and lovely?
Staycations come in all shapes and sizes. One-week breaks are a top choice, with 53% of respondents opting to spend a full seven days soaking up the local sights and sounds. Long weekends aren't far behind, capturing the hearts of 50% of UK holidaymakers, who love a quick but fulfilling escape. For most, one night just doesn’t cut it—we need a bit more time to unwind and explore, while two weeks is a little too much for your average staycationer.
To insure or not to insure?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Despite the rise in staycations, 76% of those surveyed aren’t bothering with travel insurance for our UK holidays. For the 23% who do, it’s all about peace of mind. The top reasons?
- Cancellations and curtailments: 55% of those who purchase insurance want to protect against unexpected changes to their plans. This includes things like illness, emergencies, or other unforeseen events that could disrupt their holiday.
- Medical emergencies: 48% are concerned about the potential costs and logistics of medical emergencies, even within the UK.
- Overall peace of mind: 38% simply want the reassurance that they’re covered for a variety of potential issues.

For those skipping the insurance, it’s all about the low-risk factor.
- Low risk: 52% think their trip is safe enough without it. With familiar destinations and shorter travel times, the perceived risk of major disruptions is lower.
- NHS Reliance: 31% trust the NHS for any medical issues. The availability of healthcare within the UK reduces the perceived need for additional medical coverage.
- Low-cost trips: 27% feel their trip isn’t expensive enough to warrant insurance. For shorter or budget trips, the cost-benefit ratio of insurance doesn’t seem worth it.
- Existing coverage: 18% are already covered by annual policies. These savvy travellers have comprehensive policies that cover domestic travel, eliminating the need for additional insurance.
- Short duration: 16% think their trip is too short for insurance. The quick turnaround of short trips reduces the perceived likelihood of issues arising.
- Light travellers: 13% aren’t worried about lost or stolen baggage. Minimalist packing and secure accommodations diminish concerns about luggage.

The staycation trend is reshaping how we holiday and how we think about travel insurance. With more of us choosing local adventures, travel insurers need to keep up with evolving needs. Whether it’s for peace of mind or protecting against the unexpected, understanding why we do (or don’t) buy travel insurance is key to adapting to this staycation sensation.
Want to learn more about travel insurance trends?
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