How to Level Up your holiday home in 2022

The popularity of staycations is set to continue into 2022, with bookings for UK holiday lets reportedly up 22 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

The figures from Sykes Holiday Cottages suggest that UK holiday homeowners will be bracing themselves for another record-breaking year after Brits discovered a newfound appreciation for holidaying closer to home during the pandemic.  

And for those wanting to take full advantage of this demand, experts at Sykes have set out three growing UK travel trends that holiday let owners need to be aware of.  

Here are the top three trends for the year ahead, alongside some simple tips that could help holiday let owners attract even more guests. 

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1. Open your property up to ‘paw-cations’  

With the pandemic leading to a wave of new pet parents, the demand for pet-friendly UK holidays has increased significantly. Sykes’ latest Staycation Index found bookings for staycations with pets rose by 40% last summer compared to 2019, with this trend expected to continue this year.  

To win over canine lovers, ensure your holiday home has the essentials including a pet-friendly garden, water bowls, and maybe even some treats. You could also leave some dog towels to encourage owners to clean their pups after muddy walks. 

Providing a list of recommendations for walks and pet-friendly restaurants or cafés to enjoy in the local area would also be a nice touch, as well as contact details of a local vet.  

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2. Create a ‘workcation’ oasis 

Sykes’ latest Staycation Index also found that one in five Brits are more likely to work from home while on holiday versus prior to the pandemic, giving way to the trend of ‘workcations’.  

To accommodate guests who might be looking for a ‘WFH’ set-up, consider incorporating a mini office space in your home, making sure you have good lighting and plug sockets on hand – purchasing a plug extension if you need to! 

Alternatively, make the most of any views on offer with a window-facing desk, or you could even suggest in your property description that guests can create a work set-up at the kitchen table. You should also ensure your Wifi is up to speed, as a strong internet connection will be a must for those hoping to squeeze in a few working hours to their getaway. 

3. Appeal to the eco-conscious traveller  

Being more eco-friendly is a growing focus for many of Brits, with almost half (46%) saying that limiting their environmental impact will be key reason for opting for a UK break in 2022. Investing in energy efficient appliances by updating your property’s kettles, microwave and fridge to new modern alternatives will likely impress guests and save money in the long run.  

You could also provide eco-friendly products for your guests to use such as sustainable washing up liquid and bags for life which holidaymakers can use for shopping during their stay. 

Leaving recycling instructions can be another simple way to help your guests have a sustainable stay, including signs above your bins noting what can and can’t go in them.  For those wanting to make a bigger impact, consider investing in solar panels, proper insulation or double-glazing to help keep your electricity use down. 

* Bev Dumbleton is chief operating officer at Sykes Holiday Cottages *

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