Spike in UK staycation searches as airport strikes cause chaos – do I need travel insurance for UK holiday?
The popularity of the UK 'staycation' continues to surge into 2026, with 52% of Brits now planning a domestic break as their main summer holiday, outpacing foreign travel for the first time in years.
Data from major holiday park operators indicates that the South West remains the top trending region, with Cornwall and Devon seeing a 15% year-on-year increase in bookings. This sustained demand is driven by travellers seeking 'travel convenience' and easier planning, with nearly two-thirds of the UK population now taking at least one domestic trip annually.
Alongside an increase in Google searches to these staycation destinations, there's also been an increase in search for cancellation travel insurance.
While 2023 was dominated by airport strikes and pension protests, 2026 travel disruptions are increasingly driven by geopolitical instability and extreme weather. Ongoing airspace restrictions in the Middle East have led to widespread rerouting and cancellations for long-haul flights, while 'super-storms' in Southern Europe have made domestic breaks feel like a safer, more reliable bet.
Even within the UK, the shift toward 'last-minute' booking has intensified, with 24% of staycations now booked within a month of departure as holidaymakers wait for stable weather windows or seek to avoid the knock-on effects of global transit delays.
Xavier Vallee, chief customer officer at Parkdean Resorts said: "The stories about airport strikes are the last thing any family wants to hear before their summer holiday – people want control, not a holiday that might be cancelled at the last minute, so it's no surprise that they're looking for UK breaks."
Do I need travel insurance for UK? How much is it?
Although many families may not think about taking out a travel insurance policy when staying in the UK, they can be helpful and are very cheap.
While you will not need health insurance if you're a Briton holidaying at home, cancellation cover can be vital. Holiday lets in the UK can be very expensive, especially when staying at popular destinations such as Cornwall in peak times such as the school holidays.
As of March 2026, a week-long family stay at Crantock Beach Holiday Park during the July school holidays typically starts at £1,195, while off-peak weeks earlier in the month can be found from £849. Despite these rising accommodation costs, protecting your investment remains affordable.
Our 2026 market audit shows that a couple can still secure a comprehensive UK-only travel policy with £5,000 of cancellation cover for approximately £14 to £18 for a week-long trip. While the 'under £10' deals of previous years have largely vanished due to claims inflation, the cost of insurance still represents less than 2% of the total holiday price.
Alternatively, if you are likely to travel again within the year, it may be worth looking at an annual policy for foreign travel. You'll get all the cover that comes with a European or worldwide policy, and then any UK trips you make will be protected too. However, not all policies cover UK breaks, or may have further restrictions (like a minimum 2-night stay or travel a minimum distance from home) so do read the small print.
Click here to compare travel insurance policies.
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