LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM–(Marketwire – Aug. 3, 2010) – The holidays are finally here but Brits no longer feel the need to travel abroad to enjoy the summer break. Whether it’s a sign of the recession or the sunshine, the British holiday has made a comeback, with the ‘staycation’ becoming the most fashionable travel destination.
The latest survey by SHOP.COM, the comparison shopping website for busy women, has found that more than 60 percent of respondents are staying in the UK this summer, with a third of these choosing to take their well-earned time off in the comfort of their own home. Of those holidaying in the UK a quarter are holidaying in hotels and nearly half will go sightseeing – great news for the British holiday industry.
When it comes to packing, the most stylish suitcases won’t be complete this summer without a pricy but highly portable iPad – it’s this year’s most lusted-after travel gadget according to 25 percent of respondents. And wherever we’re heading there are some things that we just always forget to pack! Sun cream (22 percent) and swimming goggles (21 percent) top the list of items that holidaymakers always leave behind. Don’t forget yours!
Actor and presenter Stephen Fry would be the number-one celebrity of choice to take a trip with, although 15 percent of respondents would choose their partner as their top travel buddy over any celebrity, even David Beckham and Cheryl Tweedy. And we’re no longer keen on picking up souvenirs for friends whilst away, with nearly half of respondents admitting that the only thing they usually bring back with them is a few extra pounds around the stomach.
“2010 is definitely the year of the summer staycation here in the UK. People are tightening their purse strings and making the most of the hot weather we’ve been having by holidaying closer to home“, says Helen Prentice, UK Marketing Manager at SHOP.COM. “It seems we’re happy to splash some cash on smaller items such as meals out and even iPads, but we’re very wary about maxing out on a big holiday abroad.”
Prentice is also the editor of the popular shopping blog, The Shopping Vine, another convenient resource to find the latest fashion trends, shopping advice and hot products.
About SHOP.COM
SHOP.COM is a leading comparison shopping engine that acts as a personal shopping assistant for women looking for products that cater for all aspects of their lifestyle at the best prices, whether it be summer fashion, beauty products or travel gadgets. Leveraging the features of its patented OneCart® technology with extensive partner store integration, SHOP.COM offers products from well-known merchants as well as specialty retailers. Privately-held, SHOP.COM is a California-based company with an office in London, UK. For more information, visit the company’s website at http://uk.shop.com.
NOTES TO EDITOR ON SHOP.COM
– SHOP.COM has over 500 retail partners, and over two million top name brands and niche products.
– The SHOP.COM website provides convenience, ease of use, amazing choice, great prices, safety and security.
– All retail partners are vetted by SHOP.COM as part of their ongoing Trusted Merchant Certificate Program.
– SHOP.COM provides customer ratings and feedback on all retail partners allowing consumers to make an informed decision prior to purchase.
– SHOP.COM has over 2 million unique users per month in the UK alone (over 16 million in the USA).
– Find out more at: http://uk.shop.com