#domestic-tourism

#domestic-tourism

In reality, most French people do not spend their summers chasing iconic landmarks or ticking destinations off a bucket list. Their idea of a successful vacation is quieter, slower, and often much closer to home. Rather than Paris or Saint-Tropez, they favor rural regions, discreet coastlines, forested hills, and mid-sized towns where life moves at a gentler pace, often staying in family homes, rented gîtes, camping sites, or small guesthouses.

In reality, most French people do not spend their summers chasing iconic landmarks or ticking destinations off a bucket list. Their idea of a successful vacation is quieter, slower, and often much closer to home. Rather than Paris or Saint-Tropez, they favor rural regions, discreet coastlines, forested hills, and mid-sized towns where life moves at a gentler pace, often staying in family homes, rented gîtes, camping sites, or small guesthouses.

I'm Brazilian, and I haven't seen nearly enough of my own country. While it's hard to admit, I know I'm not alone. Travel within Brazil was not accessible to most Brazilians until the economic boom during the Lula administration in the 2000s. Throughout that period, between 30 and 40 million Brazilians moved out of poverty and into the middle class. As things began to change, I, along with millions of people who couldn't do so before, got to travel.

What were your holidays like this summer? Did you stay closer to home and spend it in the UK? What did you do? Perhaps you had a camping trip to explore nature? Or maybe you had a seaside break? Earlier this month, AirBnB said more UK holidaymakers were embracing spontaneous getaways close to home and choosing quieter, affordable places. Meanwhile, tourism bosses in Devon and Cornwall have sounded a note of optimism.

UK holidaymakers are increasingly booking 'later, closer and shorter' breaks, driven by cost concerns and a desire for last-minute deals with nearby destinations.