Staycations are in this summer as one in five holidaymakers seek a last-minute UK getaway before their children go back to school.
In a welcome boost to the country’s tourism industry, as many as seven in 10 of us chose to experience what Britain’s has to offer this month – with a further 21 per cent planning to do so again in the next two weeks.
Research published this week found 91 per cent of people believe the UK has some of the best places in the world to visit.
Cornwall, the Yorkshire Dales, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Anglesey and Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway are among the most popular hot spots.
Almost half of holidaymakers (47 per cent) say they are now regularly taking British breaks compared to before the cost-of-living crisis.
Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, which carried out the research, said: “It’s amazing to see just how enthusiastic Brits are about the many incredible experiences to discover across the UK.”
Four in 10 families said what they enjoyed most about holidaying here was being able to jump in the car last-minute and drive somewhere new. But when we do venture abroad more of us still believe cash is king rather than using cards on holiday.
And in a separate study, more than two thirds of adults say they are far more likely to use foreign notes when away than than they do pounds and pence at home because they are wary of using their bank cards abroad.
Half of all holidaymakers always take local currency, with fewer than one in five saying they never bother, the survey of 2,000 people showed.
Over-45s who are much more likely to take foreign cash than the under-25s – with 57 per cent in the older group compared to 39 per cent of young people – the survey by card payment processing Lopay found.
Richard Carter, the company’s CEO and founder, said: “Many tourists are worried that they may incur charges or unfavourable exchange rates by using their cards abroad.
“Many places in Europe are well behind the UK when it comes to taking cards, so it makes sense to carry cash.”