Easter Staycations On The Rise

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Easter is only a few days away and with a four day weekend to look forward to, many families are off on their holidays. Tighter budgets and the economic downturn mean many people have been looking to save some pennies and get a better deal on this years Easter break. This has led to many Brits opting for a staycation and exploring more of what the UK has to offer. Sportsdirect.com takes a look at some of the reasons and statistics people are staying close to home this Easter.

According to Visit England, in 2013, 2.7 million people  took their Easter break in the UK and this year is set to see a similar figure. It is estimated that UK holidays will generate a huge £2 billion to boost the economy. Hotel chain Travelodge,  reported that this year 65% of people are planning to spend their holiday in this country, compared to 41% and 35% from the previous two years. 22% of people say they’re taking more  holidays in the UK and less abroad.

There are many reasons for the boost in UK holidays compared to abroad, predominantly, the economic downturn has a lot to be blamed for. Visit England reported that the main reasons for choosing to stay in the UK were:

• Visiting family and friends
• Cheaper than going abroad
• They like England
• Exploring somewhere new
• Returning to a place they've been before
• Easy to plan a last minute trip
• Easier to holiday in England
• They got a good deal
• Recommended by friends or family

Along with these reasons, there is also a huge variety of locations, attractions and sights to see right here in the UK. When it comes to entertaining children over the Easter holidays there are plenty of day trips and short stay trips for holidaymakers to choose from.

When booking up short breaks there are lots of last minute and special offers to be found. It is easy to pick up all of the essentials whether it's a last minute trip or planned well in advance. For short trips  with the family, holidaymakers can invest a large family suitcase to fit everyone’s belongings in and save some extra room in the car. There are also lots of travel accessories including games for the journey to keep children entertained on the way.

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The Top Winter Breaks by SportsDirect.com

With the hustle and bustle of Christmas sometimes it is nice to escape before, after or even for Christmas Day. SportsDirect.com take a look at the top places to go on holiday during the Winter period.
There are various types of holidays that are available during Christmastime depending  on personal choices, including a secluded cottage break, city break or packing your larger suitcases and heading abroad.

Cottages
Low lighting, log fires and beautiful wooden beams all signify a traditional Christmas and that is what makes cottage holidays perfect at this time of year. If you’re after a quiet family retreat then a cottage is perfect, there is also the bonus that you can take the whole family with you if you wanted as some sleep up to 12 people. They are also scattered up and down the country with stunning cottages located in Norfolk, Gloucestershire, Northumberland, Yorkshire and so on, so you can have your ideal Christmas wherever you want!

Cities
Christmas brings out the best in cities. With decorations hanging from the top of the high street to the bottom, teamed with authentic Christmas markets and carollers,  they do tend to have a magical atmosphere. Although cities will be bursting at this time of year, they are ideal for people who want to get into the festive spirit and keep busy by taking a walk through snowy parks, ice skating in the outdoors or enjoying the brightly lit streets and festive food!

Skiing
Skiing is the typical Winter/Christmas getaway. Layer up, head on the slopes and take in the gorgeous snowy scenery, as well as ending your day snuggled  up in the Après-Ski, it will literally be a Winter Wonderland and you are guaranteed to get a festive feeling! Some Christmas Ski holidays also offer Christmas decorations in your chalet, Christmas dinner and an array of festive treats.

Hot deals
If being cold really isn’t for you, or you aren’t a massive Christmas fan then jet setting somewhere warm and sunny is probably more suited to you. Destinations like Egypt, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote all offer Winter sun, as well as the obvious places like Mexico, Florida and The Caribbean, and last minute holiday sites have plenty of great deals on too. Whether you envisage Christmas morning on a beach supping a cocktail or a hot haven  before or after the stress of Christmas, venturing further afield this Winter could make the Christmas you have always dreamed of.

Visit www.sportsdirect.com and treat yourself to the perfect suitcase or holdall before your Winter retreat! Keep up to date on our latest deals and Christmas competitions at www.facebook.com/sportsdirectuk and www.twitter.com/sportsdirectuk .