Holiday companies in Suffolk are reporting a significant increase in domestic bookings as uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict leads more travelers to opt for UK staycations over international trips.
Awaze, one of Europe's largest holiday rental groups based in Lowestoft, experienced a notable spike in Easter bookings. Louise Brown, head of operations at Awaze, explained the trend: "Customers have a bit of fear regarding traveling abroad at this stage. It's the uncertainty of where the war is going, how long it will last, and what that means for costs and potential travel disruptions."
Brown emphasized the appeal of domestic holidays: "From the UK side of things, you don't have to worry about those concerns. They can just pack up, go on holiday, and have a fantastic time with their family."
Becky Alderton, experience manager at Best of Suffolk, noted similar patterns: "When people want to book their holiday, they want the guarantee that it's going to happen. The fact that they can get in their car without any queuing or potential cancellations is a big factor for families."
Travel expert Jane Hawkes described the shift as "measured" but significant: "Ongoing geopolitical tensions are playing a role, but concerns about rising costs, potential travel disruption, and overall uncertainty are equally influential. Many are still keen to travel but are making more savvy decisions about where to go."
Several factors are driving this trend:
- Geopolitical uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict
- Concerns about travel disruptions and potential difficulties returning home
- Financial considerations as holiday costs fluctuate
- Desire for certainty in vacation planning
Tracy Dolan, a recent holiday park visitor from north Lincolnshire, explained her decision: "The war has massively affected my decision to stay closer to home. It's the uncertainty—not knowing if we could get stuck or how we'd get back. Here, we're safe in the UK and we know what we're getting."
Robbie Kenny, a Lowestoft resident, recently canceled his family holiday to Spain's Benidorm coast: "The prices jumping up made me want to stay in the UK, and the Middle East disruption definitely played a part in that decision."
While some travel professionals note the situation remains fluid, the consensus points toward a continued preference for domestic travel as long as international uncertainties persist.