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 percent rate trips within the UK less stressful than those abroad – with shorter travel distance, and keeping the same currency, also among the top reasons.
This compares to just 22 percent who cite foreign holidays as more relaxing.
Six in ten prefer to be able to speak the same language when on holiday, and 14 percent 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 percent 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 percent), birds tweeting (40 percent), and food sizzling on a barbeque (16 percent).
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 percent would unwind in this time on a holiday abroad.
Knowing they couldn’t easily come home if there was an emergency (30 percent), the stress of the airport (52 percent), and needing more planning (32 percent), were among the reasons why travelling abroad is not a relaxing experience.
And 36 percent have had something stressful happen while holidaying in a foreign country, according to the OnePoll study.
Respondents highlighted 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 percent think you know what to expect from a staycation – and 84 percent 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 percent pack far in advance.
Cornwall (17 percent), Lake District (12 percent), and the Scottish Highlands (11 percent), were named the most relaxing locations when taking a staycation, thanks to their remote locations away from the hustle and bustle, idyllic scenery, and opportunities to get out in nature.
It also emerged 73 percent 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.”
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