2024 set to be year of ‘slowcations’ as bookings surge

Slow-paced holidays – or ‘slowcations’ – are set to be one of the big UK travel trends during 2024 as early booking data points to a preference for laid-back breaks closer to home.

01 February 2024

A couple cuddling on the decking of our holiday homes overlooking a lake.

Rather than cramming lots of activities into a holiday, a slowcation means prioritising rest, relaxation and positive mental health.

The popularity of these restful travel experiences has been rising since the Covid pandemic, with the cost-of-living crisis also driving up the demand for relaxing, stress-free breaks.

2024 trends data from social media platform Pinterest shows search is up by 70% for ‘staycation hotel’, 145% for ‘solo travelling’, and 60% for ‘slow life’.

The trend is already impacting bookings for Away Resorts, which has 25 holiday parks across the UK. Bookings for 2024 are up by 24% year-on-year at the operator.

In addition to factors like the cost-of-living crisis and climate change, which are driving the preference for UK-based staycations, Away Resorts is also responding to the demand for slowcation experiences.

The company is seeing particularly strong demand for its country and coastal retreats, which offer slower and more relaxed types of holiday experiences. At Away Resorts’s Appletree retreat in Lincolnshire, bookings are up 65% year-on-year, while its Newperran site in Cornwall is seeing growth of 80% year-on-year.

Simon Jones, CEO of Away Resorts, said: “Slowcations are about taking the time to unwind, relax and truly get to know a destination. Rather than busy, rushed holidays built around sightseeing, slowcations involve forging a deeper connection with a destination, encouraging mindfulness and rest.

“With our beautiful UK locations, excellent family facilities and cosy accommodation to suit all price points, Away Resorts is well set to meet the surging demand for slow travel.”

Away Resorts offer slowcation-style holidays at a number of their Coastal and Country retreats. Holidaymakers can enjoy:

Visitors can enjoy waking up to the beautiful Dorset countryside at Swanage Bay View resort this Easter half term for £305 in a 4-berth caravan departing 12th April 2024.

Staycationers looking to be at one with nature can head up to Moffat Manor holiday park, which is nestled amidst 80 acres of Scottish splendour, this February half term for 4 nights in an 8-berth superior caravan for £221 departing 16th February.

Away Resorts Breaks

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