Over half (56%) of UK holidaymakers say they are likely to choose staycations above holidays abroad for climate-related reasons, according to data from Mintel.
Around three in ten (28%) UK holidaymakers say warmer UK temperatures are encouraging them to take domestic holidays.
Meanwhile, nearly a fifth (19%) of them say extreme weather events abroad such as heat waves or flooding are encouraging them to holiday at home.
Overall, four in ten (39%) holidaymakers say unpredictable UK weather like flooding or heat waves means they are more likely to book a UK break at the last minute.
Furthermore, nearly half (47%) of domestic holiday makers have taken more staycations than trips abroad since Covid.
Paul Davies, category director – Travel and Leisure, said: “Holidays remain a key priority for the majority of Brits, with booking intentions for early 2024 being the highest on record, and we expect it to be a really positive summer for holiday taking as people are eager to have something exciting to look forward to.
“While the holiday sector is benefitting from the continued increase in consumers’ financial confidence and wellbeing, holidays have become more expensive and prices are likely to remain relatively high for some time to come. As such, extra overseas ‘top-up’ breaks will be sacrificed by many, as Brits continue to prioritise their main summer holiday.”
He added: “Away from the UK, rising temperatures have also led travellers to seek out cooler climates such as Scandinavia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Brits remain eager to explore overseas destinations, but instead will be tempted to visit during cooler months, plan their trips last-minute or choose destinations which tend to not be as impacted by extreme temperatures. We’re also likely to see a spike in demand again for last minute bookings in 2024 should the UK experience poor weather.”