Birmingham is one of the top 2022 holiday destinations for British holidaymakers

Holidays are one necessity that Britons are not  willing to forgo despite the current global economic crisis, as nearly half (42%) of Britons have had a holiday so far this year with  84% of these holidaymakers holidaying on British shores - and Birmingham has been one of the top holiday destination for millions of Britons. With the UK being one of the hottest holiday hot spots in the world this summer, 65% of Britons have taken their main holiday at home this year and 60% of these holidaymakers have taken three Staycation breaks so far in 2022.

Topping the 2022 staycation destination charts is Birmingham- the UK’s second largest city was host to the 2022 Commonwealth Games and is well known for its fabulous shopping, the famous jewellery quarter and its network of canals lined with trendy bars and cafes, making it the nation’s favourite. On average Britons have spent £513.13 on their 2022 staycation holiday which equates to a collective spend of £30 billion with the average break being four days.

These findings have been revealed in Travelodge’s latest Travel Index which surveyed 2,000 British adults regarding their 2022 holiday plans.  Key findings revealed that 60% of adults reported that the global financial crisis, chaos at the airports and flight delays

stopped them from holidaying abroad this year. Whilst 28% of Britons reported that there was no need to go abroad this summer as we had guaranteed good weather similar temperatures to the Caribbean, Dubai and the Greek Islands.

The report also revealed a growing trend – that we are fast becoming a nation that is opting for shorter breaks than longer holidays.  Interestingly 35% of holidaymakers have broken tradition and split their main annual holiday into three shorter UK breaks this year - so that they could enjoy different experiences by visiting various locations. 

A quarter (25%) of adults reported that they opted to take several UK short breaks as it gave them something to look forward to against the gloom and doom of the global crisis. 

A third of Britons reported that they have taken several short breaks this year so that they could catch up with family and friends. Whilst 30% of parents have been in favour of several short breaks this summer as it has helped to keep their children entertained during the summer school holidays.

The report also revealed that the summer heatwave inspired 29% of Britons to take more spontaneous Staycation breaks and 27% of adults reported that taking a short break is actually better value than a good night out. The holiday report also revealed that a traditional jaunt to the seaside was the nation’s favourite choice of holiday this summer with 35% of Britons flocking to the coast for sea, sand and sunshine.

Blackpool, takes the crown as the nation’s top coastal holiday destination in 2022. The lobster capital of Europe, Bridlington takes second place in the 2022 coastal holiday destination charts followed by Brighton. City breaks have been the second most popular type of staycation breaks this year with 24% of British Culture Vultures visiting a top UK city.  Birmingham, topped the UK city breaks charts followed by Aberdeen and Bath in third place.

Taking a rural break and exploring the jewel of our national heritage, the Great British countryside has been the third most popular type of staycation break for Britons this year. Over a fifth (21%) of adults have taken a rural break this year. Top destinations include: The Lake District, North Wales, and the Scottish Highlands.   

The table below details the top holiday destinations Britons have been visiting this year     

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge spokesperson said: “Our latest travel index shows that 2022 is set to be the year of the Best of British holidays. More Britons are exploring hidden holiday gems that are on their doorstep than ever before and its great news that Birmingham is one of the nation’s top 2022 staycation destinations. Record heatwaves this summer have also inspired Britons to take more spontaneous breaks to cities such as Birmingham.” 

Across our 580 UK Travelodge hotels which includes 20 properties in Birmingham and 25 across the West Midlands, we are also seeing that travel trends are changing. With so many places to see and so little time and money, the traditional two-week holiday is on the decrease and a lot shorter breaks, particularly in Birmingham, are on the increase.”

The Travelodge Travel Index also reported that over a fifth (21%) of Britons admitted that it was just too expensive to holiday abroad this year. Yet interestingly a quarter (25%) of adults stated despite rising costs a holiday is one of life’s essentials that they are not willing to cut back on.  A fifth of adults also reported that they have been saving hard this year so that they could afford to go away this year.