We recently spoke to Aptel Founder, Karan Uppal, to discuss the growing popularity in UK staycations.
In this interview, Karan explores the reasons why serviced apartments are the perfect solution for those looking to ‘holiday at home’.
What do current market trends suggest is the main reason for ‘staycationing’ in the UK?
Current trends suggest that UK staycations will most likely continue to be a popular choice for UK residents looking for a quick getaway. One of the biggest reasons people are now opting for staycations can be attributed to the recent unprecedented travel chaos, with research from OAG showing that approximately 1.7 million people flying in and out of the UK since January 2022 have been affected by cancellations within 48 hours of their flight.
When you’re looking forward to going on holiday, the last thing you want is to be anticipating whether or not your flight is going to be delayed or worse, cancelled. By choosing to travel abroad, you’re taking the risk of delays and cancellations and even financial loss as a result. This is perhaps the main reason as to why so many people are choosing to holiday in the UK, as airport chaos is not on the cards and these issues are completely eliminated.
How has the pandemic affected consumers’ attitudes toward international travel?
COVID-19 regulations now vary all over the world and many people don’t want the added stress of triple checking what the entry requirements are for each country – on top of planning your holiday itself. For some, you will need to be triple vaccinated to enter, and for others you may have to provide a negative test on arrival, resulting in additional unwanted costs for many.
In the midst of the pandemic, when travel restrictions were at their peak, many of us had no other choice but to holiday in the UK. Many Brits used this as an opportunity to discover parts of the UK that were just as relaxing or exciting as their go-to holiday destination, with research suggesting that Cornwall and the Lake district are just two of the most popular holiday spots in the UK. International travel is no longer seen as a necessity when it comes to holidays, which is not only beneficial for the environment but the local economy too.
Has Brexit been an underlying factor in many people’s hesitancy to holiday abroad?
Many European destinations now require visas, and again, this coincides with the added stress of planning a holiday. Applying for a visa is an additional cost and the time it takes to complete the process can be lengthy, especially for some countries, so much so that some people may not think it’s worth the time and stress for a quick getaway. Perhaps for longer holidays, people may be able to justify the visa application process, however, for a quick staycation it just doesn’t seem worth the hassle.
What factors make a good staycation?
Location is perhaps one of the biggest factors to consider when planning a dream staycation. If you want to relax, then it’s likely that you would pick somewhere in the UK that has a lovely beach or stunning countryside. Cornwall and Devon are very popular for these reasons as they can offer the same serenity as a holiday abroad.
If you’re looking for a staycation with a bit more of a ‘buzz’, then London is the perfect city break – there is an endless list of things to do and even a week isn’t long enough to explore this vast city. So many people from all over the world flock to London each and every year, so it definitely makes sense to visit when it’s on our doorstep.
The UK is full of destinations that provide the feeling of being somewhere completely new, which is something that is absolutely essential when planning your dream staycation.
How is a serviced apartment more beneficial than staying in a hotel?
Serviced apartments are surging in popularity as they offer that ‘home away from home’ feeling. Most serviced apartments are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, lounge areas, desks and kitchen areas. You can also expect the same perks as a hotel, including a 24-hour concierge, complimentary toiletries and so much more.
A serviced apartment provides you with more space, allowing you to not only explore the area but also ‘live’ in the area. Apartments offer more freedom, giving you the option to relax, dine and entertain friends – complete with a certain air of privacy that you may not experience in a hotel setting.
Hotels can often feel less personal if you don’t have access to these same private luxuries. You may be presented with communal restaurants and other amenities, but they are often not as intimate as a serviced apartment setting. Furthermore, people tend to save more money staying in serviced apartments as opposed to hotels – especially when you factor in dining out costs. The kitchen facilities in a serviced apartment allow guests to maintain a bigger budget for more fun activities as their dinner costs are automatically slashed.
Why do you think there has been a surge in the popularity of serviced apartment stays?
The surge in popularity of serviced apartment stays is likely due to the fact that they allow people to experience homely comforts whilst travelling. In addition to having more freedom, you can entertain friends and family and cook, all while enjoying hotel standards. Serviced apartments provide people with the flexibility and privacy that’s so important to many. When staying in a hotel, you can be more aware of the people around you, the staff and everything else, which can make it really hard for you to switch off. When you have the luxury of a private space all to yourself, it’s much easier to relax and have a more authentic experience.
Do you think the ‘staycation’ will remain for the foreseeable?
I believe that staycations will definitely remain for the foreseeable. They are often far less expensive than international travel and much more convenient. Mini UK breaks are also a great ‘weekend getaway’ option without having to plan tremendously, worry about flight cancellations or even budget too much. There is so much of the UK to explore and so many interesting places to visit – the pandemic most definitely shone the spotlight onto the beauty of the staycation and that is why they continue to be so popular.
