Staycations set to stay popular for Brits in 2023

A survey by retailer GO Outdoors has found that Brits are planning more staycations for next year.

The results showed that more Brits chose to holiday in the UK this year (42 per cent) instead of travelling abroad (38 per cent), and almost half (48 per cent) are more likely to travel within the UK than abroad within the next year.

Reasons cited by respondents for not booking a holiday abroad were the potential for travel disruption (46 per cent); being ‘extremely careful’ when spending money (76 per cent); and a significantly reduced budget due to the cost of living crisis (56 per cent).

GO Outdoors has noticed these changes, saying that its sales of camping equipment have increased by 82 per cent compared to before the pandemic. Caravanning equipment sales are up too: an increase of 63 per cent from 2019. Due to the return of festivals this summer, they’ve sold 60 per cent more camping chairs compared to pre-pandemic numbers.

Sales of men’s walking boots are up 20 per cent, fishing equipment 39 per cent, and riding horsewear by an impressive 210 per cent versus this time in 2019. Bike sales are also up a hefty 69 per cent so far this year, compared to 2021.

Lee Bagnall, CEO of GO Outdoors said: “We’re delighted with the exceptionally positive sales trends we’ve seen this year, as our customers continue to embrace the Great British outdoors.

“Tightening purse strings and travel disruption at airports has resulted in more customers than ever favouring camping in the countryside over far-flung destinations this year. And it’s clear our customers are recognising the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, with the rise in demand for activity equipment.”

The top spots for a staycation in the UK were revealed by Forbes Advisor.