The Icelandic volcano seems to be the latest spark to help ignite the British public’s interest in holiday at home this year. Ever since the volcanic ash started to drift in to European air space, cancelling flights en-masse, the UK self catering accommodation website HolidayLodging.co.uk (www.holidaylodging.co.uk) has seen a massive increase in interest in its range of listed UK holiday parks, lodges and country cottages. “Compared to the same week last year, the number of visitors to our website has doubled, partly, I’m sure, by this latest kick in the teeth to the travelling British public.”, commented Howard Jason of HolidayLodging.co.uk.

 

The volcanic eruption is the latest in a string of events which seems to be persuading the great British public to look closer to home for their family holidays this year. The ongoing financial crisis, a weak Pound, an increase in airline taxes and cabin crew strikes, have all been major factors in the holidaymaking decision process this year, speculates Howard. “People are definitely showing more interest than they have in a long time about the possibility of holidaying in the British Isles this year. They’ve been hit in the pocket hard by a combination of the recession, poor exchange rates and ever-increasing flight taxation and are probably thinking that ‘enough is enough’. We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of visitors to our site since the beginning of the year.”

 

“In the heyday of the great package holiday, it was often cheaper to take a week in Spain over one in England, but the balance is definitely shifting back in our favour. What the financial crisis has brought, particularly to the self-catering holiday, is a large number of restaurants, pubs and food outlets all cutting their prices to help bring in the customers. When you’re staying in a lodge or cottage for example, and not tied to a hotel for meals, then you can shop around for the best deals and offers out there. If booking a camping or caravanning break, especially, then the cost of a holiday in the UK can be very competitive indeed. There are also far too many people who have no idea of what’s available on their own doorstep so it’s good for this trend to be reversed.”

 

It also seems that the great British Summer is not such of a key factor in the choice of people’s holidaying requirements. With the number of museums and other tourist attractions on the up, even on a rainy day there is always something to see and do. Of course, if you must have a swim, there are a great number of family holiday parks throughout the British Isles, which can be found on HolidayLodging.co.uk, with the all-important indoor swimming pool!