On the road again: Spontaneous Brits turning to staycations for 2021 as a no-deal Brexit looms

• Over three-quarters (77%) of Brits plan to be more spontaneous in 2021 once all restrictions are lifted
• Over half of Brits (58%) regret saying no to travel opportunities in the past
• 78% of Brits who took staycations last year plan to have another one in 2021, even when lockdown lifts
• A new survey by Zipcar UK reveals that once restrictions lift, Brits are planning to travel by car (65%) over bus (7%), train (15%) or plane (9%)

MORE Brits than ever before are planning to travel next year as they try to break free from months at home due to COVID, a new study shows.

A whopping eight out of ten people will turn 2021 into the ‘Year Of Saying Yes’ by being more spontaneous and making the most of their spare time when restrictions are lifted.

Almost half of us will go for more weekends away, while a third will visit friends and family more often and go on day trips, according to research by the UK’s largest car-sharing club, Zipcar UK.

After the Coronavirus restrictions of 2020, millions of adults admit to regretting previously turning down opportunities to go out, explore and make the most of their free time in the past. The main reason cited for saying no was wanting to save money (40%), followed by wanting to stay home after a busy week (36%), and simply assuming there will be another opportunity (30%).

Expert psychologist Sarah Rozenthuler comments, “This research shows just how much this year has made us all value our freedom. It really does prove that you don’t appreciate the wealth of opportunities you have until you lose them.

Human beings are by nature adventurous and curious, but often in our busy lives we will have said no to experiences because we are too tired or don’t want to spend money. The pandemic has pushed the reset button to allow us to embrace having fun again when we can.”

While 40% of Brits said they plan to go abroad next year, a staggering 90% are opting for staycations or weekend breaks in the UK as well. It looks as though travelling by car is the preferred transport method for most (65%), holiday-goers are opting for this over trains (15%), planes (9%) and taking the bus (7%).

In terms of type of UK travel, we’ll see a return to the traditional British seaside holiday as 56% will head for the coast, 51% for the countryside and 39% for a city break.

Destinations people are most keen to travel to include the Lake District, Cornwall and the Yorkshire Dales.

UK TRAVEL WISH LIST

1. Lake District 28%
2. Cornwall 27%
3. Yorkshire Dales 22%
4. Scottish Highlands 22%
5. Cotswolds 17%
6. London 16%
7. Edinburgh 15%
8. Isle of Wight 14%
9. Jurassic Coast, Dorset 14%
10. Snowdonia 12%

James Taylor, General Manager at Zipcar UK says: “It’s interesting that, while people are obviously keen to go abroad again, they have fallen back in love with exploring Great Britain and huge numbers plan to holiday in the UK next year even once restrictions have been lifted.

The last few months has made everyone value small outings even more, so it appears millions will be hitting the road next year to make the most of their weekends. We’re pleased Zipcar UK can support Brits as they get back on the road.

We also see Brits embracing the little moments and chances to be more spontaneous in the day-to-day, showing that as a nation we are bouncing back from the pandemic to be more positive and spontaneous.”

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