The Rise Of The Daycation
New research out today reveals that the number of Brits taking a two-week holiday has decreased by 18 per cent over the past five years with half of Brits (51 per cent) not planning to take a fortnight’s holiday this year.
The study by the National Trust reveals a new trend for Brits taking multiple single day holidays throughout the year, as opposed to the traditional two-week break our parents worked towards.
Over a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits are planning to take at least ten single days holiday - or ‘daycations’ - this year and a further 36 per cent will take between five and ten.
48 per cent of those polled cite the cost of a fortnight’s holiday as the main reason for not taking two weeks off work, whereas one in 12 hard-working employees blame the inability to switch off from the job.
For time-poor Brits the growing daycation trend means they can split their time into smaller and more frequent holidays or days off and 42 per cent of those polled cite this as the reason for favouring day trips.
A further 64 per cent said the daycation was a cheaper alternative to the traditional holiday and 57 per cent believe they are a lot more hassle free.
Tony Berry, Visitor Experience Director of the National Trust, comments: "Our research reveals an interesting trend for Brits taking multiple single days off work, making the most of their spare time - and enjoying these daycations, as we’ve coined them.
"Our visitor numbers for 2009-2010 also reflect this with over 17 million people enjoying our houses and gardens, and millions more exploring the swathes of outdoor spaces we care for."
Despite those in fulltime employment having 28 days holiday on average each year, the research also revealed that more than a third of employees (34 per cent) admit they are unable to switch off from work at all, even during their time off, and taking shorter breaks and single days off really help them to genuinely unwind meaning they don’t dread work piling up when they return (47 per cent).
The research revealed that daycations were not only convenient but time well spent with 79 per cent saying they were relaxing, 47 per cent agreeing that these days were calming and 42 per cent appreciating them as escapism.
Dr Cecilia d’Felice, Clinical Psychologist, comments: "We all know that holidays are good for us but did you know that even a day long mini-break reduces stress, improves wellbeing and enhances quality of life?
"Research shows that taking a daycation improves performance and safety at work, bonds family relationships and strengthens our vital social network.
"The benefits of a daycation are numerous from fresh air detoxifying us to the aesthetics of nature, and the beautiful places the National Trust can offer undoubtedly help to refresh, both mentally and physically."
Tony Berry, Visitor Experience Director of the National Trust, comments: "With 32 million Brits intending to take a day trip this year to help unwind we’re perfectly placed to help the nation enjoy their days off.
"With over 300 National Trust places of beauty and interest to visit across Britain we have a huge choice of mental refreshment pit-stops and as you are never more than 40 minutes away from one of our beautiful places there is no excuse not to enjoy a daycation."
The study found that Brits in the East of England are most likely to take a daycation with a third (32 per cent) planning to take more than ten single days off from work this year; this is followed by those in the South West and North West (30 per cent in each region).
The Welsh were revealed as the country’s top workaholics with 21 per cent saying they do not want to switch off from the job, even on their days off, Londoners and those in the East of England came a close joint second with a fifth of people agreeing (20 per cent).
With 32 million Brits intending to take a day trip this year to help unwind, London and South East England has been named the top daycation hot spot in the UK with sites such as the South Downs appealing to visitors who want to escape the stresses and strains of work-life.
South West England and Yorkshire and the North East were next on the daycation to do list with 41 per cent and 40 per cent of the vote respectively.
Top daycation destinations in the UK:
1. London and South East England (54 per cent) e.g. Petworth House and Park, West Sussex
2. South West England (41 per cent) e.g. Stourhead, Wiltshire
3. Yorkshire and North East England (40 per cent) e.g. Fountains Abbey, Ripon
4. Wales (37 per cent) e.g. Powis Castle, Powys
5. Scotland (32 per cent) e.g. city of Edinburgh
6. East of England (27 per cent) e.g. Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
7. North West England (25 per cent) e.g. Sizergh Castle and Garden, Cumbria
8. Midlands (24 per cent) e.g. Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire
9. Northern Ireland (13 per cent) e.g. Castle Ward, County Down
10. Other (six per cent)
Tagged in The Holiday