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Number of staycations and intended domestic spending falls

The appeal of domestic summer holidays has fallen back this year, according to new research.

While more than half (55%) of people will be taking a domestic summer break, the proportion is down from 58% last year.

Britons are also spending £130 less on their UK summer holiday, with the average spend being £599.80 compared to £729.80 in 2016. This still equates to a collective spend of £17 billion.

The results come from Travelodge’s annual holiday index, which has surveyed 3,000 British adults for the past seven years.

Those who are taking a domestic holiday this year are doing so because they say it is too expensive to go abroad and a staycation offers better value for money.

More than a third (36%) of adults also say they want to holiday at home this year in a bid to support the British economy as a result of Brexit.

A trip to the coast remains a favourite with 53% of adults visiting seaside for their annual break. The top destinations are Cornwall, Devon, North Wales, Blackpool and Isle of Wight.

A third of the Britons surveyed reported that they are taking a rural break this summer, with the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, Norfolk Broads, Yorkshire Dales and Peak District most popular.

More than a quarter (27%) are taking a city break this summer with London, Edinburgh, Bath, York and Oxford being the top spots.

Almost half of Britons are taking a one-week holiday supported by three short breaks throughout the 2017. Just 17% of adults are taking a ‘traditional’ two-week holiday.

The report also revealed that over a third (38%) of holidaymakers are taking a multiple location break as part of their main UK holiday and combining a coastal break with either a rural or city stay.

A quarter (25%) say that the annual holiday is one thing that they refuse to cut back on.

A Travelodge spokeswoman said: “Our research shows that 2017 is set to be another strong year for the staycation, which is great news for our economy.”

She added that foreign tourists are making the most of the weak pound and are “flocking to Great Britain”.

See also: UK staycations top the charts for unexpected family holiday costs

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