Brits have been urged to get holidays booked early after a surge in demand for UK holidays has been seen in the travel industry. The warning that prices could rise comes after more Brits appear to be turning to staycations after the global events and flight cancellations across the Middle East.
Premier Cottages has reported a 23% increase in property bookings compared to the same period last year, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt overseas travel plans. The luxury cottages business has seen particularly strong demand for destinations such as Dorset and the South West, regions known for their countryside, coastline and family-friendly attractions. The rise reflects a growing shift in consumer behaviour following concerns about international travel.
Coastal and rural locations are proving especially popular, offering both convenience and a sense of security for travellers seeking reliable holiday options within the UK.
Dylan Edwards, marketing director at Premier Cottages, said: “Our booking data tells an interesting story.
“In the days immediately after the conflict escalated, we saw a sharp initial dip as consumers paused – but within a week, daily UK staycation bookings were running around 23% ahead of the same period last year, suggesting Brits are already turning to home soil.
“With major operators reporting a significant slowdown in demand for eastern Mediterranean destinations, and no clear timeline for resolution, we’re expecting this shift to become more pronounced as families start locking in their summer plans.”
The Daily Mail reports that UK holiday companies are already seeing “similar patterns” to the pandemic, when prices surged by up to 100%, with some Brits being charged more than £1,000 for a short break.
It adds that Google searches for several spots across the UK are currently soaring suggesting holidaymakers might be looking for stays closer to home.
For example, enquiries for “UK holiday cottage” have surged by 260% this month, while the rolling hills and scenic views of the Lake District are pulling in 129% more compared to the same time last year.
If you’re looking for a break, it’s best to get your trip booked sooner rather than later to avoid skyrocketing costs.
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