The Sykes Staycation Index 2024

1. Staycation Snacking

22% of Brits are looking to take shorter, more frequent breaks to make the most of their annual leave and experience more of the UK.

Sykes has seen a 9% uplift in long weekend break booking year-on-year in 2024, with the most popular months for these being April and December 2023.

2. Back to Basics Breaks

Bookings of pods, yurts and shepherd’s huts have been steadily increasing over the last few years, up 67% in 2023, with people attracted to the different – and back to basics – experience this type of break offers.

3. Dark Horse Destinations

This year, Somerset has taken the top spot from Norfolk as the lesser-trodden destination Brits most want to visit. With holidaymakers avoiding high tourism areas and heading to more understated spots instead.

Our research found that 36% of Brits plan to visit locations off the usual tourist trail this year and that 65% of holidaymakers get satisfaction from uncovering lesser-known destinations or attractions.

4. Experience-Inclusive Breaks

The ever-growing pursuit to try new things is also influencing travel choices, with more and more of our owners offering on-site experience so guests don’t have to venture very far.

10 unusual staycation experiences which most appeal to Brits:

1. Wild swimming 
2. Visiting caves
3. Hunting for fossils
4. Ghost hunting
5. Hiking with llamas
6. Participating in unique events such as cheese-rolling
7. Ziplining
8. Surfing
9. Cooking classes
10. Foraging