Easter break sees late booking domestic holiday trend

Domestic holiday rental owners claimed a surge in last-minute bookings ahead of Easter, as people opted for UK breaks over long-haul travel in "uncertain times", according to Hoseasons owner Awaze. 

A “sharp uplift” in demand was recorded in the past month, as holidaymakers opt for experiences closer to home. 

Domestic bookings made the day before departure increased by 33% year on year in the two weeks leading up to Easter for March arrivals.  

Bookings were up 11% year on year for Hoseasons and 38% for sister firm Cottages.com in the week before Easter, reflecting sustained late demand. 

Awaze is now seeing 22% of total UK bookings now made within two weeks of departure.

The company’s data shows that people are increasingly seeking flexible, last-minute UK breaks that are within budget while offering “greater certainty and peace of mind”, amid cost of living pressures and global uncertainty.  

Larger properties saw particularly strong demand over Easter, with bookings for accommodation sleeping more than 10 guests up 34% over the same time last year across Awaze’s UK portfolio. 

A shift towards shared experiences is also driving longer breaks. Stays of five to seven nights increased by 54% for March arrivals in the two weeks before Easter. 

Demand was driven by coastal destinations such as Cornwall and Devon, alongside Norfolk, as well as countryside locations including Yorkshire and Cumbria.  

March bookings for properties with hot tubs were up 25% for Hoseasons the week before Easter.  

Awaze chief commercial officer Simon Altham said: “In uncertain times, holidays become an even more important means of escape and calm, with people placing greater value on breaks that feel reassuring and hassle free.

“We’ve seen a continued shift towards shared experiences, with more groups and multi-generational families choosing to spend time away together. 

“For owners, this is creating a clear opportunity to drive stronger occupancy, particularly around peak moments like Easter, and to appeal to a broader mix of guests.”