Stonehenge, England / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Danny Sullivan

UK families are now more likely to remain within our borders than journey to Europe or the Mediterranean. Last year, less than 60% of British families stayed at home, but this year we’re expecting over 10% more.

Financial influence has paid a large part in this turnaround, as nearly half of all Britons fear their job is at risk in the immediate future. Trips to the UK are, on the whole, cheaper than trips abroad and feel much safer an option, as a result.

The problems associated with air travel have also become more prominent in the public’s mind over the last couple of years. With the modern worries over our carbon footprints, increased security and the value of low-budget airlines in question, many holiday-makers are less willing to take to the air.

With the exchange rate of the pound in a less beneficial state than it previously has been, the general consensus is that traveling abroad no longer offers the value of money required. Staying at home now seems like an easier, less stressful and cheaper proposition.

Scotland landscape / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jack Shainsky

The beauty of the British landscape is also a massive appeal to those looking closer to home for their travel destination. Beautiful scenery has been the most important factor in location selection since 2009 and the BDRC’s first survey.

The good weather that has blessed the UK in the last couple of years has also had a huge effect on the appeal non-foreign holidays. In this year’s BDRC survey, nearly double the amount of people claimed that the weather influenced their decision to holiday here, than did in 2011.

The 2012 survey also suggests that that Scotland has now become the most popular area to holiday in. 28% chose Scotland as their preferred location, leaving the southwest in a close second with 27%. This is a reversal from the previous year, when the positions were the other way round.

The most sought-after destination for families is Cornwall, which proved to be a real favourite for families with children below the age of eleven.

The Highlands in Scotland are still the most popular region for UK visitors, however. In 2011, they received 13% of all bookings and this looks set to rise, with over 15% of all early bookings, this year.

Written by Jon for Hotel Shop, offering cheap breaks across the UK and beyond.

The post Why is Everyone taking a UK Holiday in 2012? appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Crump

An overview of the region

The largest city in the area is Nice with a population of about 350,000. It is a popular tourist destination among celebrities and common people alike. It features a beautiful flower market apart from its commercial port. The airport is the third busiest airport in France after both the airports in Paris. The low budget airlines have contributed greatly to the increased tourists arrivals in this region.

To the east of Nice you will find the resort of Menton, known for its lemon festival and stunning villas. Cannes, the city popular for its film festival, is also located on the French Riviera and witnesses a lot of tourist activity. Towns like Mandelie-La Napoule, located further to the west of the region, are known for their unique chateaux and marinas. St Tropez is another popular holiday destination, which is a favorite among celebrities and movie stars. Small villages surrounding St. Tropez have managed to retain a bit of their fishing village atmosphere.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Michael Gwyther-Jones

The French Riviera is often associated with wealth, glamorous lifestyle and yachts. But taking a stroll into the old areas may change you outlook. You will find a number of quaint towns and villages on the coast. Several of these unassuming little towns attract artists, who find inspiration in the serenity and beauty of the region. Businessmen are known to purchase Cote d’Azur Villas in France, which are primarily used as holiday retreats. Other than painting, which is seen all over the region, Cote d’Azur is also known for activities like perfumery, pottery and glass blowing.

Villas at Cote d’Azur

France exhibits some of its most exquisite architecture in the villas located on the French Riviera. These properties are owned by some of the richest people in the world, many of whom are famous. Sean Combs, Tom Cruise, David Beckham and Johnny Depp are among the some of the rich and famous that own property here.

Cote d’Azur Villas in France, although expensive, are a worthy investment. The properties often include waterfront houses with private beaches with enough space for a yacht. Others are characterized by beautiful marble staircases and wrought iron grills. A large number of contemporary villas have been seen cropping up recently made entirely with chrome finished glass. This timeless destination is a hotspot for international investors, especially because of its warm sunny weather. Hiring a real estate agent can be helpful when purchasing or renting a villa as they are well versed with the local laws, tax regulations and other such rules.

Want to find out more about luxury holiday villa rentals in France, then visit Burger Davis Sotheby’s International Realty, the luxury property rental specialists for apartments to rent in Cannes and villas throughout the South of France.

View A Look at Cote d’Azur in France in a larger map

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