A poll of 1,200 UK travellers found 77% at least sometimes revisit the same place they’ve been before. And seven in 10 (71 per cent) of those who have ever gone back to a familiar location have also chosen to book the exact same accommodation at some point.
Reasons for returning to the same destination included wanting to revisit a beautiful spot (37%), bring back happy memories (31%), and go somewhere that feels like a home away from home (20%).
Trips down memory lane don’t end there, with holidaymakers re-exploring a destination this year planning to journey back to a specific beach (48%), restaurant (37%), or scenic viewpoint (32%).
Most popular locations to revisit included seaside spots (46%), countryside escapes (37%), and places to camp (14%). But despite this, over a third (36%) agreed trying new things is the best part of going on a staycation.
Darren Whittington, spokesperson for The Camping and Caravanning Club, which commissioned the research alongside creating a tool to uncover your staycation personality and a list of exciting activities to try on your next trip, said: “We can be creatures of habit when it comes to our holidays, but there’s so much to see in the UK.
“Trying a new activity or taking up a hobby can elevate a holiday to one you’ll never forget. With UK holidays now making up 59% of all the trips we take, there’s a lot of opportunity to discover new places and things to do, creating memories that will last a lifetime along the way.
“And with the rising popularity of staycations, more and more people are realising how much the UK has to offer, whether you prioritise excitement or relaxation.”
More than eight in 10 (86%) agreed they enjoy trying new things when they go away. And according to them, the best things about broadening their horizons include the opportunity to discover something new (62%), grow as a person (29%), and learn new skills (23%).
The research by OnePoll found new experiences also provide 47% time to bond with their family and 15% relish the chance to pick up a new hobby.
Respondents were excited to embark on adventures such as going on a cross-country road trip (24%), discovering a hidden gem (41%), and visiting sets from their favourite films or TV shows (23%). With activities they’re keen to try ranging from wild swimming (14%) and paddleboarding (13%) to mountain climbing and biking (12%).
Specific regions holidaymakers are most interested to explore are the Scottish Highlands (36%), Cornwall (36%), and the Lake District (35%). Where they hope to discover a range of new sights, such as beaches to stroll on (44%), historical sites to broaden their knowledge (41%), and botanical gardens to help them connect with nature (26%).
And of those who are still unsure about trying something new on their next trip, potential motivators included nearby activities they want to try (34%) and the chance to gain a fresh perspective on the world (27%).
Darren added: “There’s such a range of things out there to try – and it’s fantastic to see so many are already open to adventure. But for the one in 10 people who don’t enjoy trying new things while on holiday, we believe that the campsite is the perfect base to launch yourself into the incredible outdoors, try something new, and make this your summer of why not.
“Whether you’re drawn to the seaside, the mountains, the woods, or anything in between – there’s something out there for you to discover. It’s about time we break out of our routines and experience the full array of beautiful places and opportunities the UK has to offer.”