Staycation vs flying: which saves more money?

When it comes to planning a holiday, one of the biggest decisions is often whether to stay in the UK or head overseas.

A staycation can sound like the cheaper option. No flights, no baggage fees and no airport transfers. But once you add up fuel, accommodation, days out and eating away from home, is staying in the UK always better for your bank balance?

Let’s take a look at some of the costs worth considering before you decide.

Getting there

If you’re flying, the headline price of your flights is only part of the story. Depending on your trip, you may also need to budget for checked luggage, seat selection, airport parking or transfers and transport once you reach your destination.

With a UK staycation, your main travel cost is likely to be fuel or charging your EV. You may also need to factor in parking and tolls depending on where you’re heading. Travelling by car does have one big advantage, though: you can usually take considerably more luggage without worrying about fitting everything into a suitcase.

Accommodation

This is where the comparison can get interesting. UK hotels, cottages and holiday parks can become expensive during the school holidays and other popular periods. Equally, accommodation abroad can vary enormously depending on the destination, time of year and type of holiday you choose.

Rather than assuming one will be cheaper, compare the total accommodation cost for your dates alongside everything that is included. A hotel abroad with breakfast and a pool, for example, isn’t necessarily comparable with a self-catering cottage in the UK, so think about what you’ll actually spend once you arrive too.

Food and drink

A self-catering staycation can give you more control over your food budget, particularly if you take some essentials from home or cook some of your own meals. But let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their entire holiday cooking.

Whether you’re in Cornwall or the Costa del Sol, meals out, drinks, snacks and the inevitable holiday ice cream can soon add to your spending.

Days out and entertainment

What are you actually planning to do while you’re away? Beaches, walks and exploring the countryside can make for brilliant days out without costing much at all. On the other hand, theme parks, attractions and organised activities can quickly increase the cost of a UK break.

The same applies overseas, so it’s worth thinking about your plans rather than comparing travel and accommodation prices alone.

Don’t forget the car

If you’re planning a UK road trip, giving your car a little attention before setting off could help you avoid unwanted problems along the way. Check your tyres, oil, coolant, lights and screenwash and make sure you have enough fuel or charge planned for the journey.

If you’re sharing the driving or borrowing somebody else’s vehicle for your trip, make sure everyone who gets behind the wheel has the appropriate insurance in place too.

So, is a staycation cheaper than flying?

There isn’t one answer that works for every holiday. A UK break could save you the cost and hassle of flying and give you much more flexibility over when and where you travel. But during busy periods, accommodation and attractions can mean the savings aren’t always as big as you might expect.

The best way to decide is to compare the whole cost of your holiday, rather than being tempted by the headline price. Flights or fuel, luggage, parking, accommodation, food, activities and transport while you’re there can all make a difference.

And whichever option wins, the most important thing is that you get to switch off, explore somewhere different and enjoy your break.