Staycations may not seem like the most exotic holiday choice, but it seems staycations are on the rise and set for even more success this summer. Britons are a nation of holidaymakers, with the latest data from ABTA showing that 88 percent of people took a holiday last year alone. However, the data also shows that over 56 percent are planning a holiday within the UK this year.
There are many reasons why this could be, with concerns about Brexit and the consequences it will have on travel a hot topic at the moment.
However, there is another reason why holidaymakers could be choosing to ditch the flights this year, though for a much cuter reason.
According to ABTA “dog-friendly staycations are expected to be popular.”
Indeed, while a nation of travel enthusiasts it seems Britons like nothing better than kicking back and relaxing with their furry friend in tow.
According to globetrender.com, 60 percent of pet owners plan their holidays around their dogs, while 57 percent admit they would enjoy their holiday more if their dog was with them.
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Unfortunately, with the Brexit transitional period well underway, huge changes to pet travel regulations may mean it is now harder and more expensive to take your furry friend on their annual Euro getaway.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Catherine Lynn, Chief Customer Officer at Parkdean Resorts pointed out: “There are a whole host of logistical issues when taking your dog abroad, from pet passports to airport quarantines which can put a lot of undue stress on both owner and dog alike!”
Although little will change for pet travel during the transition period, at the end of 2020 things could change.
Once the UK is officially a ‘third country’ in terms of EU classifications, if the UK does not secure a deal pets will have to travel with a passport, as well as health documents issued prior to each trip and may even have to consult with a vet for up to four months prior to travel.
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“When it comes to a staycation, it’s as simple as jumping in the car, turning up and enjoying your trip,” says Catherine.
Increasingly hotels and holiday parks are becoming more dog-friendly in a bid to connect with their canine-loving customers.
The UK’s staycation market has grown immensely over the last few years, and with that comes an increased demand for dog-friendly holidays.
“We saw a 14 percent increase in the number of guests booking with pets between 2018 and 2019, showing a clear rise in demand for pet-friendly holidays,” says Catherine.
“The UK holiday market has also become increasingly dog-friendly, with more and more attractions, beaches and even restaurants and pubs welcoming dogs – meaning it’s now easier than ever to bring your pup with you on a staycation and not be restricted in terms of things to do.”
Globetrender’s research found that popular activities many pet owners enjoy with their dogs on holiday include going for a meal with them at a pet-friendly pub or restaurant, taking them sightseeing and even going shopping.
Not only are more venues welcoming dogs on the premises, some are even catering specifically for them.
One example is Egerton House Hotel, in London’s Knightsbridge, which goes so far as to boast a “doggy afternoon tea.”
It is served in traditional a high tea style and boasts a menu of meatloaf, biscuits and ice-cream.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s BlueBird Cafe has been known to offer pop up doggy dining experiences, providing al fresco gourmet dinners crafted for pooches.
Increasingly holiday accommodation providers are getting behind this trend, with 66 out of Parkdean Resort’s 67 holiday parks welcoming dogs of all sizes.
Catherine explains: “Guests can choose from fantastic dog-friendly accommodation options including caravans, luxury lodges and even glamping and camping.
“Many of our parks are also located next to stunning walking trails and coastal paths to walk your pup, as well as an abundance of dog-friendly pubs and beaches.
“We’re also trialling dog agility and play areas at four of our parks in 2020, which we expect to be a popular addition for our guests.”
While new regulations for taking your dog abroad could come with a heightened price tag in a post-Brexit world, staycation options promise not to break the bank.
In fact, holiday resorts such as Parkdean offer dog-friendly accommodation for as little as £40 per pet.
Of course, there is no definitive outlook yet for how UK-EU talks will pan out.
However, even despite Brexit, it seems pet-friendly domestic adventures are here to stay.