UK Holidaymakers Turn to Domestic Destinations as Iran War Disrupts Travel, Raises Costs
War in Iran continues to impact global travel, increasing flight and package holiday prices to European resorts. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently advised that “people might change where they go on holiday this year,” suggesting a domestic focus for many.
Booking.com has recorded a 20% increase in searches for May half-term UK holidays compared to last year, with Airbnb also noting a 15% rise in UK stay searches for the May bank holidays. This trend reflects a broader move towards exploring the British Isles.
Hidden Gems Across the UK
Travel content creator Eboni Dixon, 34, highlights the beauty of UK coastlines, describing the Isle of Wight as “absolutely unreal” and comparable to Croatia. Her recommendations also include Alton in Hampshire for its lavender fields and Hastings, offering vineyards, historic castles, and funicular railways. Folkestone in Kent is also noted as an emerging destination with a harbour evoking foreign locales.
David Land and his wife Barbara, from the North East, cancelled a planned Maldives trip via Dubai after the UK Foreign Office advised against non-essential travel to the UAE. They have since booked a June trip to Northumberland, praising its “idyllic” coastline despite cooler temperatures.
In Cornwall, Lizzy Stroud, who operates self-catering accommodation in converted train carriages, observes a growing interest in car-free holidays, attributing this to increased petrol and diesel costs from the conflict in Iran. Her unique accommodation near St Ives offers access to less-frequented beaches and landscapes. Stroud emphasises the richness of UK holiday options, often within short distances from home.
Lexie McGaughey, a 20-year-old from Rugby, Warwickshire, recently opted for a glamping trip in Lincolnshire, prioritising ease of travel over international destinations. Despite finding the costs of domestic and international holidays comparable, she acknowledged the convenience of a shorter journey for a brief break.
