Thousands of cancelled flights see major UK traveller U-turn

Flights have seen major disruptions in recent weeks due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Cancellations and delays have become the norm, with uncertainty hanging over holidays and trips for UK residents aiming to travel abroad.

This has seen a major shift to people looking to stay in the UK this summer to have a holiday on home shores.

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Demand for the Cotswolds is on the rise. (Image: Unsplash)

Among the U-turn, the Cotswolds has seen one of the biggest rises in holiday search interest anywhere in the UK, according to new analysis of Google search data.

Research by holiday home insurance specialist Schofields Insurance found searches for “Cotswolds holiday” have jumped by 128 per cent compared with the same week last year.

The figures come as searches for “UK holiday cottage” have surged by 260 per cent in the past month alone.

This points to the growing demand for domestic breaks as some travellers rethink overseas holidays.

The Cotswolds ranked just behind the Lake District in the national search trends and is the second fastest-rising staycation destination in the country.

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Phil Schofield at Schofields Insurance said: “At times when international travel feels concerning or less predictable, it’s natural that many people start looking closer to home when planning a holiday.

“Staycations offer flexibility and familiarity, which is why we’re seeing such strong interest in UK destinations right now.

“The Cotswolds has long been one of the country’s best-known staycation spots, so it’s no surprise to see search interest rising so sharply.

“For many people, it offers an ideal mix of scenery, charm and convenience when planning a UK break.”