The UK can't be such a bad place for a holiday. After all, it attracts around 32 million overseas visitors every year, so why not us? In these credit crunched and cash strapped times holidaying at home seems a far more sensible proposition. There's no doubt that financial turmoil, uncertainty over employment and the poor exchange rate on the pound have hit the pocket hard and this explains why a recent survey found 58% of us are more likely to spend our summer holiday at home, but even so more Brits have been to Torremolinos than Torquay.
It would appear that "at home" is increasingly appropriate, judging by the growing number of enthusiasts for the 'staycation'. This annoying word has been coined to describe taking a "vacation" in the so-called comfort of your own home. This baffling concept is already big in America and is now finding increasing appeal here in the UK apparently.
Surely the most important thing about a holiday, wherever you take it, is a change of scene? In some senses, the destination doesn't really matter. Whether it's sizzling in the Mediterranean or staying in a Devon hotel, what matters is going to a place where even mundane activities have a refreshing appeal, because the location lacks familiarity. And not having to make beds and do the dishes and tidy up is also a refreshing change from the norm, isn't it?
Some cite cost as a disadvantage to vacationing in the UK. Booze and 'baccy' are much cheaper abroad aren't they? There's more to a holiday, especially with kids, that that surely! And at least you don't have to pay commission or loose out when changing currency, nor do you have to take your life in your hands hiring some jalopy that makes a clown car look like the epitome of automotive safety!
Holidaying in the UK also has a number of other practical benefits that can leave you feeling quite smug. Holidaying at home cuts out the carbon emissions from flying, but your exact savings largely depend on how you get around instead. Making a return trip by car from Newcastle to Torquay instead of flying to Malaga will save about 305kg of CO2 - about the same as driving more efficiently for a year. Taking public transport (the rail route to Devon and the West Country is one of the most scenic and stunning anywhere) will save even more carbon.
The only remaining obstacle to holidaying at home 'great' British weather. Who wants to sit and watch the rain for a week? As climate change progresses over the next 60 years, popular tourist spots such as Spain's Costa-del-Sol may become too hot for us and it's predicted we'll take more holidays at home. This could revive traditional British holiday spots like the English Riviera.
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