Staycations boom for half term as Brits look to swerve strikes hitting holidays
UK holiday letting firms have seen a surge in bookings this half term compared to previous years as the threat of strikes and travel chaos looms.
Sykes Holiday Cottages alone has seen a 30% spike in demand this year when comparing February half term, while Hotelplanner has reported a 10% rise.
Border Force strikes at key ports and the rising cost of living which is pushing up air and rail fares out of the country could be behind Brits' decision to stay closer to home this break.
It comes just two months after Border Force industrial action at UK airports and ports ahead of Christmas, which coincided with a 22% spike in UK bookings for letting firm Sykes compared to the same period in 2019.
Are you avoiding going abroad during the strike period? Let us know in the comments below or email [email protected].
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Exploring a new UK location may seem like the better option with strikes thrown into the travel mix (Getty Images)Tim Hentschel, ceo and co-founder of Hotelplanner, told the Mirror: "The series of Border Force and rail strikes is causing serious economic damage to the hospitality industry – people are choosing not to travel to work or meetings on strike days unless it’s absolutely necessary and this is impacting hotels and restaurants, as well as entertainment venues.
"Traveller sentiment will also be impacted this February half term as people are concerned the planned border force strikes will mean long delays on the way back to the UK, during planned strike action from 17 – 20 February as PCS union members at ports of Dover, Calais, Coquelles and Dunkirk are expected to walk out.
"We have noticed that with the upcoming strikes, more travellers are exploring last minute options for a staycation in the UK."
Hotelplanner has seen demand rise for lodgings close to airports around strike days, with travellers hoping to avoid getting caught up in delays on the day of their flights.
"The general trend on a strike day is that people rearrange their travel plans and choose to stay home which is impacting the hospitality industry," Tim continued.
The Border Force strikes have been planned to impact half term travels (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)"Travellers that are forced to stay near airports or in other locations due to the strikes are also having to pay more for these hotels."
While the big trend in the world of staycation bookings this year is for rooms in pubs, being flexible about where you stay might be the best way to bag a good deal.
"This year there is an increase in consumers choosing pub lodgings so the Lake District, Devon and Cornwall are on the top of the staycation list for families and other travellers looking for a half term getaway with outdoors activities and good food," Tim continued.
"My advice to travellers wanting to get the best value for money on a last-minute booking is to be flexible.
"If you can be flexible on destination and dates of travel, then you are more likely to get more for your money.
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"Also, if you want a trip outside of the UK, consider flying Tuesday – Thursday as flights are usually cheaper on these days and be flexible on your departure airport."
The PCS Union - of which some Border Force members are a part - is calling for a 10% rise and a living wage of at least £15 an hour.
"Inflation has hit a 40 year-high in the UK, meaning millions of people are suffering a cost-of-living crisis," the union said in a statement.
"Tens of thousands of our members are struggling through the spiralling cost-of-living crisis."
The Government said it has undertaken extensive planning to minimise disruption, including training military personnel, civil servants and volunteers from across Government to step in and keep borders safe
The military will not be sent over to France however, so disruption on that side of the Channel may be more significant.
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