In recent years the popularity of holidaying in the UK has rocketed. It is not only demand for specialised holiday resorts such as Center Parcs that have increased, quiet country hotels and B&B’s have also witnessed a significant growth in the volume of guests passing through their front doors. The initial boom is likely to have been largely influenced by the world-wide economic crisis, however, it now seems that holidaying at home has simply become a preferred alternative for many Brits.
Problems with Foreign Travel
Many of the foreign destinations previously favoured, such as North America and mainland Europe have been worse hit than elsewhere by the financial slump, greatly affecting exchange rates and local prices. Exchanging GBP for USD or euros has become increasingly painful over the last decade. Another side-effect of the economic crisis (particularly in Europe) is the large number of strikes and protests, which often target local authorities and infrastructure, affecting international travel and resulting in many delays and cancellations, in turn forcing tired tourists to fork out extra cash for accommodation and unforeseen travel expenses.
Benefits of Staying at Home
Along with avoiding these issues, holidaying at home helps to save money and stress in many other ways. Driving to your destination becomes a very attractive option when remaining inside UK borders. More often than not, once settled in a hotel or resort, the need for a car diminishes, as most areas visited by holidaying Brits have everything required within short walking or cycling distance. Resorts like Center Parcs which specialise in weekend breaks, have everything you would need for a great family holiday on site, including shops, restaurants and a large selection of sports and leisure facilities.
Staying in Britain also completely eliminates the chance of running into problems relating to language or local customs, something which I’m sure has affected many a visitor to a foreign land.
Many, have decided to start holidaying in the UK as the result of a growing awareness of the state of our planet. With facts and figures constantly thrown at us from every direction, personal carbon footprints are present in many minds. Reducing air travel (one of the largest producers of Greenhouse Gases) is one way in which eco-warriors have chosen to give something back to Mother Nature and our future generations.
Britain’s a Great Holiday Destination
Alongside the elimination of risks and saving money, the UK has a great deal to offer those looking to relax as well as those wanting an action-packed holiday.
Britain remains at the forefront of modern music and nightlife. If you’re a party animal, why not check out some of the events offered throughout the cities of Britain? Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and of course London (frequently voted in the world’s top 5 ‘party cities’) in particular are worth a visit, all offering a wide range of night time activities as well as ways to spend the following morning recovering and relaxing.
The country’s rich history and culture offer a stimulating alternative for those whose idea of a vacation does not involve sickly-sweet alcohol shots and repetitive, thumping bass.
Castles are still dotted around the country, both ruined and intact (some are even inhabited). Perhaps among the best to visit are those at Bodium, Arundul, Beamaris or the supposedly haunted fort at Bodelwyddan, all which often hold frequent fetes and themed carnivals, a delightful way to learn about our country’s past while spending quality time with the family.
The scenery and landscape that Britain has to offer boasts glory, atmosphere and beauty all year round. You can enjoy the majestic highlands of Northern Scotland or the rolling valleys of the Midlands whether on your Easter Break, summer holiday or even Christmas vacation. For ramblers, nature-lovers or anyone who loves natural beauty and breath-taking backdrops, the Lake District of Cumbria is simply a must. Anyone looking down at the traditional country villages, dotted between the tranquil waters, framed by the District’s scraggly mountain ranges (containing the highest peak in England) will surely not not regret their decision to visit.
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