More than HALF of Britons are planning staycations this summer

More than half of Britons have planned to stay rather than travel abroad this summer, in a bid to avoid travel chaos.

Holidays are made miserable by flight delays and havoc at airports for a third of Britons, a Visit Cornwall survey has found.

A third also cannot stand the heat when traveling outside the UK, despite the country having experienced its own hot summers in recent years.

But amid the cost of living crisis, the preferred time to stay on vacation is now between April and June – as Britons fight for cheaper breaks.

Abi Steel, head of tourism at Visit Cornwall, told The Sun that people are also opting for trips where they can ‘discover the true character of an area’ rather than just hitting the beach.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct carries the West Highland Railway Line over the Glenfinnan Valley past the lochs and mountains of Scotland – the Highlands are another popular holiday destination

“There has been a surge of interest in wildlife tours, learning-based experiences and activities that offer a chance to go behind the scenes,” she said.

“It’s about getting off the beaten track to discover lesser-known places and enjoy local food and drink.”

Ms Steel added that Cornwall is a ‘weatherless’ place with ‘incredible hospitality’, insisting Britons don’t need to wait for summer to enjoy their first sea swim of the year.

The survey comes as Yorkshire was revealed last month as Britain’s most sought-after holiday destination for this year.

The northern region of England has been named the most popular place to visit this year thanks to its picturesque coastal towns and rolling valleys, the new survey of 2,000 adults revealed.

Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands, Cumbria and Northumberland followed closely. Norfolk, Ayrshire and Kent have also been identified as priorities for those wishing to escape the tourist hotspots.

The OnePoll study, commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, echoed the findings from Visit Cornwall, finding that 52 per cent of participants did not see themselves booking a trip abroad this year.

Of those taking a staycation, 43% predict average expenditure totaling £1,200. Many are booking trips to areas less known to tourists due to lower prices and a desire to avoid crowds and have flexibility when booking meals.

As for the style of their stay, a B&B in the countryside appeals to 30% while 28% seek to visit lakes and mountains.

The report also revealed that nearby beaches, decent Wi-Fi and plenty of outdoor space are among the top things people look for when renting a vacation home.