Staycations: the growing trend of holiday escapes at home

More Europeans are expected to opt for staycations instead of holidays abroad this summer, as rising travel costs continue to influence spending habits. Interviews conducted by international home and garden retailer vidaXL with tourism experts suggest that the growing popularity of staycations reflects a broader shift in attitudes towards travel, leisure, and home life. As more consumers transform their homes and gardens into relaxing, holiday-style environments, vidaXL has observed increased demand for outdoor lounge furniture and garden accessories ahead of summer 2026.

Slow-living is on the rise

Consumers are increasingly prioritising comfort, wellbeing, and quality time at home over long-distance travel. “There is a growing trend towards simpler leisure choices and a resurgence in traditional crafts and homemaking, fuelled by social media influencers,” says Nikki MacLeod, Director of the Tourism and Marketing Research Centre. “There is no longer the same social status attached to frequent flyers and jet setters. Instead, there is now a quiet cachet in home-based holidays.”

While MacLeod highlights the changing social perception of travel, Wenjie Cai, Associate Professor in Tourism at the University of Greenwich, points to broader structural shifts in leisure behaviour: “People’s approach to leisure has been constantly changing, often influenced by external factors such as economic pressures and wider societal trends. Younger generations are seeking more authentic, hands-on experiences, many of which do not require travelling far. I see staycations continuing to grow in popularity, although they won’t replace travelling abroad entirely, as they offer very different experiences.”

Gardens are becoming the new holiday destination

As more consumers choose to spend summer at home, gardens and outdoor spaces are being reimagined as places to relax, entertain, and unwind. “Social media and lifestyle television programmes are inspiring people to create their own holiday settings at home,” says MacLeod. “Retail has responded quickly to this trend. For example, there is now a huge range of solar-powered garden lighting available, reflecting how people increasingly view their gardens as outdoor living spaces that can be enjoyed from day to night.”

From outdoor dining sets and lounge furniture to decorative lighting and accessories, households are investing in creating their own summer escapes. Some families are even recreating camping experiences in their backyards with tents, outdoor games, and cosy seating areas.

Why staycations keep gaining momentum

Experts say the popularity of staycations first accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the trend has continued to evolve. Rising travel costs and economic uncertainty are also playing a significant role.

“The rising cost of living and travel, including current concerns regarding the availability of jet fuel, are certainly major factors driving this trend,” says MacLeod.

“Staycations became popular during COVID and have remained a strong trend since then,” adds Cai. “What began as a necessity has shifted into a conscious decision, partly because of the rising cost of living. At the same time, younger generations are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of long-distance travel.”

Creating your own holiday at home

Whether it’s a cosy balcony setup, an outdoor dining area, or a fully styled garden retreat, more people are embracing the idea that a relaxing holiday experience doesn’t always require long-distance travel.

According to MacLeod, the trend may have long-term staying power: “Climate change, global instability and the rising cost of living all suggest that staycations may be more than just a passing trend.”