Is This The Year Of The Staycation?

With the economic downturn gripping most residents of the UK and Ireland, many travellers are planning to stay close to home in order to save cash. In addition to this, international travel has become increasingly difficult, as many areas of the world are not considered safe and airport security queues can be a nightmare at the best of times. The constant fluctuation in airline fares and service is another irritant that long-distance travellers must endure. All of these factors are making the domestic vacation trendy again and it’s something that holidaymakers are reaping the benefits from. It’s no surprise that this year, just under 50% of residents of the UK and Ireland will choose to holiday at home.

Holiday at home for a brand new experience

Many residents of Ireland and the UK are rediscovering what their own countries have to offer. Staying at home means that city breaks and weekend breaks are also possible and you can maximise your holiday time. The British Isles are a treasure trove of historic sites and beautiful scenery, and exploring one’s own country is proving an enriching experience. For example, visiting all the sites throughout the greater London area entails a holiday in itself, and it’s so easy to enjoy without a car. A spin on the London Eye offers a panoramic view of London, while the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace provides a look at British royalty that attracts millions from around the world every year- and we are lucky enough to have these sights right on our doorstep! Add in the wealth of wonders found at the British Museum and the Tate Modern and a holiday in London will be far more rewarding than 14 hours stuck in a flying tin can!

The British Isles Offer The Most Scenic National Parks In The World

For those who long to be far from the madding crowd, we’ve got 15 national parks right here in the UK, with a further number of untouched parks in Ireland. Taking a bicycling tour through the Northumberland National Park or spending a day sailing in the Lake District are among the many staycation options available to residents of the British Isles. For the adventurous among us, a popular walking tour done by many visitors and locals alike is crossing England at the narrowest point, between the North Sea and The Irish Sea.

Scottish residents can de-stress within the vast Cairngorms National Park, exploring the plentiful wildlife living throughout rivers, mountains and forests. Visiting the many Scottish castles is a trip back in time, as some are almost a thousand years old and have been magnificently restored.

For Irish residents, taking a hiking tour of the Wicklow Mountains National Park brings a fresh appreciation for the beautiful Emerald Isle. There are several national parks in Ireland, Killarney being the oldest and one of the most popular. Surprisingly enough, many Irish residents haven’t ever visited this Kerry gem. Visiting the Dublin homes of famous authors would also make an enlightening Irish history tour.

When planning your staycation across either the UK or Ireland, remember that there are many Leonardo Hotels conveniently located in many cities such as London, Glasgow, Birmingham and Dublin. Why choose Leonardo Hotels for leisure breaks? Click here to find out.