How holidaymakers in London can save time, money and the planet – not to mention a big old headache

If the chaos around transport this Christmas and New Year has people running for the hills, it could be in everyone’s best interests according to www.pitchup.com.

The camping and caravanning website has done the maths, and holidaymakers staying in the UK this winter are not only enjoying less stress, but are saving time, money and carbon emissions.

For example, a family of four travelling return from London Gatwick to Great Yarmouth instead of Malaga will enjoy a trip that is 8.6 hours or 61% shorter, costs 92% less and saves 95% of their CO2 emissions*. 

That’s enough energy to brew 80,472 cups of tea to keep the family warm. 

Daniel Yates, Managing Director, Pitchup.com, says the staycation trend of 2009 is a reality not a myth, and the benefits of staying closer to home are being recognised by more holidaymakers as they rediscover the beauty of Britain.

“UK residents made 15%** fewer holiday visits abroad between January and September 2009 than during the same period in 2008. We haven't seen a percentage reduction of that magnitude on an annual basis for more than 25 years.

“Instead, holidaymakers have been enjoying what’s on offer in the UK this year, with domestic holiday trips up 17%. Staying in the country is not only a chance to save time and money but also – in a wake of a disappointing Copenhagen Summit – to make a serious dent in your carbon footprint.”

Those holidaymakers who have cottoned on to this trend will be smugly rubbing their mittens together this winter, while they plan next year’s holidays in the UK.

ends

* Figures based on a family of four travelling in a Ford Focus, petrol at today’s rate, and average cost of a low-cost flight. Excludes accommodation costs and spending money at destination, insurance, airport fees and taxes. Route comparison based on most popular “resort” destination from airport in August 2009, based on CAA figures. CO2 data source from JPMorgan Climate Care.

** National Statistics

About Pitchup.com

http://www.pitchup.com is the most comprehensive website in its sector, with 5,000 UK and Ireland campsites and holiday parks featured including hundreds of hard-to-find sites.  The website has an easy-to-use search facility and contains information on accommodation near nine National Parks, hundreds of beaches, 17 World Heritage Sites, and the main UK festivals.

Issued by Flagship Consulting

For further media information please contact:

Casey Mead     020 7886 8450 casey.mead@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Lewis Shields   020 7886 8449 lewis.shields@flagshipconsulting.co.uk