Highlands one of top choices for 'minication'
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THE Highlands have become a top pick with the growing number of Britons taking shorter breaks through the year.
New research by hotel group Travelodge placed the region third, behind the first placed Lake District and the Costswolds as choice of rural "minication".
The report reveals UK travel trends are changing with Britons taking more and shorter breaks at home – 64 per cent of Britons are taking on average two minications in 2020. With the average trip costing £281, this represents a boost to the UK economy of £24 billion.
More than a fifth (22 per cent) of Britons are taking up to six UK short breaks this year, worth £25 billion to the economy.
The study of 2000 British adults revealed that 42 per cent of Britons have swapped a long holiday for several short breaks throughout this year.
With over a quarter (26 per cent) of Britons reporting that they do not feel confident taking a long holiday this year. Nearly half (49 per cent) of the respondents stated that taking lots of UK short breaks was the ideal holiday solution for them during the pandemic, as it gives them something to look forward to and it is safer.
In another emerging trend, 42 per cent of respondents reported that they are visiting multiple locations as part of their short break so that they can experience different types of holiday as part of one trip, such as combining a coastal break with either a rural or city break.
The report also revealed that the average minication is three days, most typically over a long weekend.
Travelodge spokeswoman Shakila Ahmed said: "Our study reveals that we have become a mighty minication nation. We are also seeing a growing trend in more Britons taking multi-location short breaks with a combination of a coastal, rural or city break.
“Taking regular short breaks helps to maximise your holiday time, reboot your batteries, discover the beauty of Blighty and it also provides interesting content to share on your social news feeds.”
Over a fifth of Britons reported that taking a spontaneous short break is helping them to cope and feel in control in regards to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.
