Millions of Brits are happy to holiday within 50 miles of their home - as long as their getaway presents the opportunity to try new things.
A study of 2,000 adults found one in six are content travelling a short distance for a break away, providing they have enough time to relax and unwind and explore new surroundings.
While 31 per cent want to eat every meal in a restaurant and try new foods.
Waking up later than usual, wearing clothes which don’t usually leave the wardrobe at home and getting to enjoy evening entertainment every night are also classed as crucial for a real holiday.
It also emerged 28 per cent find the idea of sitting on a beach for two weeks boring – with a fifth admitting they would rather a countryside retreat.
Simon Thompson, managing director for Warner Leisure Hotels, which commissioned the research, said: "We’re so lucky to live on such a beautiful isle - Brits can find a whole host of gems, quite often right on their doorstep.
“The results show you don’t have to travel for hours and hours to find a relaxing getaway and can experience all the joy of being somewhere new without any of the hassle."
When quizzed on how long a ‘real holiday’ should be, 20 per cent said three days would be their minimum.
While 39 per cent don’t consider a holiday to be so unless they are staying in a hotel.
More than a third (34 per cent) must be able see the ocean and 24 per cent want the opportunity to try activities they wouldn’t usually do at home.
And 41 per cent like to have entertainment included on a break, although 68 per cent want to be able to do their own thing.
Going to bed later than usual, dining at a buffet and living out of a suitcase also feature in the top 20.
Staycations can reduce international stress
The study also found 63 per cent would be happy to consider a staycation, believing they can enjoy just as many world-class sights as somewhere further afield.
And at the moment, 55 per cent are more likely to take weekend breaks and short trips than weeks away.
Sadly, 43 per cent of adults polled, via OnePoll, haven’t had a real holiday since the Covid-19 pandemic, and five per cent said they need a break now more than ever.
Simon Thompson added: “It’s clear people appreciate all the UK has to offer - many may find it easier to switch off on a staycation and worry less about international travel and all it entails.
"Also, with the economic climate in its current state and the inflation of fuel prices, it's no wonder holidaying closer to home has become so popular.
“Our newest hotel offers a country retreat but is only a stone’s throw from the likes of London and Birmingham – meaning less time travelling and more time unwinding.”
Top 20 signs of a true holiday
- Having time to relax and unwind
- Being able to explore new surroundings
- Staying in a hotel
- Being able to see the ocean
- Eating all your meals in restaurants
- Trying new foods
- Having time to read
- Trying activities you wouldn’t usually get time to
- Waking up later than usual
- Wearing things you’d never wear at home
- Enjoying evening entertainment each night
- Not always knowing what time it is
- Having to get money changed to local currency
- Getting a nice tan
- Having to put suntan lotion on
- Going to bed later than usual
- Dining at a buffet
- Living out of a suitcase
- Getting a new stamp in your passport
- Not being able to speak the language
