British travellers are deciding against a foreign holiday this summer, with millions choosing a staycation instead, new research has revealed.
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According to data from consumer bank Chase, this year is all about the Great British “staycation summer”, as 22.5 million UK adults are set to holiday on home soil during the warmer months – a 40% increase from 2025.
General travel search interest shows a similar pattern, with nationwide searches for “UK holiday ideas” up 50% year-on-year and “UK holiday rental” up 56%.
Aside from airport stress, travel disruption and rising airfares, one of the major trends driving the British staycation boom is food tourism.
The research found that nearly three-quarters of Britons (71%) say that dining is a key part of their “foodie staycation”, with many including the UK’s culinary scene in their itinerary.
‘Foodie tourism’ on the rise
Food experiences are playing a bigger role than ever before in holiday planning for British travellers.
The data found that three in five Brits (58%) identify themselves as “foodies” and two fifths (42%) now place greater importance on good dining experiences.
“Staycationing is no longer a consolation prize or ‘second best’,” said Binay Agarwala, Managing Director for Rewards and Lending at Chase. “Rather, the UK is actively seeking out at-home holidays in order to try out the world-class dining scene this country has on offer.”
How much are staycationers willing to pay?
The importance of food experiences is also reflected in the price that Brits will pay for a good meal when on holiday.
More than three-quarters (76%) say they are willing to fork out on dinners when staycationing – rising to nine in 10 for self-proclaimed “foodies” (89%).
On average, Brits consider a “splurge” dinner to cost around £54.35 (€63.44) per head. However, younger diners aged between 25 and 34 are prepared to pay considerably more at £66.67 (€77.82).
Price is not the only thing that British travellers are investing in – but also time.
The data revealed that the average staycationer spends 36 minutes seeking out the best foodie hotspots – more than the time they spend researching transport or travel (33 minutes) and the weather (26 minutes). Among self-confessed foodies, this increases to 45 minutes – 25% more time.