More than a third of people have been unable to book a domestic break this year and a similar number are resigned to spending the rest of the summer at home.
Saga researchers found that the average person has spent five hours unsuccessfully searching for staycation deals and offers this summer.
Almost three in 10 (29%) of those who tried to book a UK break said that all the available self-catering properties, hotels and B&Bs were too expensive.
A further 24% have been unable to find anything available.
A fifth said they planned to go to a popular tourist destination such as Cornwall or Devon but found it was fully booked.
Twenty seven per cent of the people polled said they wished they had booked a UK break in advance, but said that uncertainty over Covid restrictions had made them wait.
And 71% of respondents said they felt like they have missed out on holidays again this year because of lack of confidence, availability and budget.
A similar proportion would jump at the chance to get away this August if the possibility arose.
Saga Travel chief executive Nick Stace said: “It’s been a confusing time for people wanting to get away this August and our research has certainly found that people feel they’ve missed out on their summer holidays.”