To the hills or bust: Scots will do anything to ensure their staycation

Published on Tuesday 31 May 2011 16:32

Scots are heading for the hills on holiday, and are cutting budgets and even selling personal items to ensure they get a break.

A new survey has shown that despite public-sector cuts and wage freezes, people are still desperate to get away, with the Highlands the most popular "staycation" destination.

It beats London, in second place, and Edinburgh in third, as well as other leading holiday destinations such as the Peak District, the Lake District and Cornwall.

The study, conducted by Travelodge, interviewed 5,000 British adults on their summer holiday plans and found a growing number will be taking a break at home this year.

Over a third of Scots - 36 per cent - will holiday in the UK this summer and some will take three short UK breaks during the year. The average seven-day UK holiday will cost 489.13, which includes 250.01 for travel and accommodation and 172.23 for visiting attractions.

However, the report also revealed that 34 per cent want the best of both worlds as they will be both holidaying at home and jetting off overseas, with the average foreign break costing 1,427.58.

To pay for their jaunts, a quarter of Scots are selling possessions on eBay, while a fifth are cutting back on groceries and eating out, and making do with old items.

According to the survey, 16 per cent of Scots will be taking a seaside holiday this summer, 36 per cent will go on a city break, 19 per cent will take a rural holiday, 10 per cent will visit a theme park and 24 per cent will visit relatives.

When asked why they were choosing a British break, 36 per cent said it was cheaper than going abroad, about 20 per cent highlighted the lack of hassle and delays and 10 per cent said they took a staycation last year - and enjoyed it so much they are doing it again.

Travelodge spokeswoman Shakila Ahmed said: "It has been a tough year for many Scottish adults, with rising household costs and government cutbacks. But our research shows that cash-strapped Scots are clinging on to their annual holiday in order to add some cheer to their lives.

"Due to hefty financial cutbacks, more Scots are opting for a staycation break this year, which is great news for the British tourism industry."

Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland's regional director, said: "The staycation trend remained buoyant throughout 2010. Eight out of ten of our visitors come from the UK, so it is an important market, generating millions of pounds for the economy.

"This year could still be a difficult year, with the ongoing global economic situation, severe weather and another ash cloud all playing a part. But early indications are that the domestic market is rallying, and factors such as the good weather, the bank holiday weekends and the royal wedding all have positive impacts on the trend for holidaying at home."Findings also revealed that nearly two-thirds of Scots - 64 per cent - will travel to their staycation break by car, with 17 per cent going by train, 6 per cent by coach and 7 per cent by plane.

Scots interviewed for the survey said their top celebrity holiday guest would be the Duchess of Cambridge, followed by the Geordie stars Cheryl Cole and Ant and Dec. Other favourite holiday companions were former Dr Who star David Tennant, comedian Peter Kay, and film stars Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Bradley Cooper.