The UK is set for a staycation boom this coming bank holiday weekend as much of the nation marks the chance to get away for the first time in more than a year.
Thousands are also expected to hit the road for day trip with coronavirus restrictions relaxed.
Leading holiday rental marketplaces Snaptrip, Big Cottages and Dog Friendly Cottages have reported that the upcoming bank holiday is the most popular weekend of 2021 so far for staycation bookings, as well as for the month of May, by 85 per cent.
Matt Fox, chief executive and founder of Snaptrip, Big Cottages and Dog Friendly Cottages, confirmed there has been a huge 136 per cent increase in bookings in May this year compared to 2019, pre-pandemic, as well as booking size trends for this long weekend and the increase in bookings in the top UK destinations.
“As we approach the bank holiday weekend, we have seen a huge 136% increase in bookings in May this year compared to May 2019, pre-pandemic.
“It seems that most people are looking to take advantage of the long weekend as this bank holiday has also proved to be the most popular weekend so far this year.
“In terms of booking sizes, family or small group bookings appear to be popular as more than two thirds (70 per cent) of bookings this weekend are for two or three guests.
“Devon, our number one staycation destination, has seen a 58 per cent increase in bookings in May this year compared to May 2019.
"Similarly, our second most popular UK staycation destination, Cornwall, has seen a 70 per cent increase in bookings this May compared to May 2019, so it seems they will only continue to grow in popularity as we head into summer.
“It’s great to still see such a stark increase in bookings when compared to a pre-pandemic year as it’s clear that many are still keen to explore and enjoy the wide range of staycation experiences on offer in the UK even as restrictions ease.”
