The credit crunch and subsequent recession are still being felt two years on, with prices still high and our incomes being squeezed.
There are many things that have come out of the recession in the UK. Aside from higher prices, we’ve seen a boom in coupon websites, more and more charity shops, and a rise in so-called ‘pay-day loans’.
And that’s not to mention staycations, which have gone from strength to strength as people try to get that well-earned break without breaking the bank.
In case you don’t know, a staycation is simply a holiday that isn’t abroad. Even though tickets for flights are still relatively cheap, the cost of things like hotels, eating at restaurants and going out can mean that a trip abroad is simply not an option.
So what’s the alternative? Stay in Britain, obviously. There is plenty to do, as tourist board VisitEngland points out.
Pointing to staycation trends for the year ahead, VisitEngland said: “The Torch Relay, Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Festival will see thousands take to the streets in celebration. And then, of course, there is the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 2012 really is the time to be in England.”
But the staycation is not for everyone. After all, we spend the vast majority of the year in Britain, so it’s no wonder that some people are desperate to get away.
And then of course there is the infamous British weather. We seem to get the best of the sun and blue skies at fairly odd times of year.
Remember the warm spell in October last year? Many people were left wondering why it couldn’t have come during the more traditional holiday season.
According to a survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of Brits travelling abroad at the start of 2011 was up by 4% on 2010, suggesting that many people were getting bored of Britain.
If you are planning to ditch Britain and go abroad for your holiday this year, remember to consider taking out travel insurance.
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