Over half of us are likely to take fewer overseas holidays in 2010 replacing these with UK breaks instead. The survey of 949 people undertaken by Blue Chip Vacations showed that 56 per cent of us would ditch the overseas holiday in 2010, while over two-thirds (69 per cent) will choose to holiday in the UK instead. Respondents said their decision was influenced by the combination of positive UK weather predictions for the next decade, continuing poor exchange rates, concerns over the environment and the impact of increasing Air Passenger Duty. These findings are supported by strong domestic self-catering bookings that are already on the rise for 2010.

The biggest individual concern raised by those polled was the continued poor performance of the pound against foreign currencies, with almost 62 per cent citing this as a chief reason that would dissuade them from holidaying abroad.

Among the more surprising findings was that fact that although 47 per cent said the MET Office's predictions of a spate of record breaking hot summers to come would influence them to holiday at home, 43 per cent said they'd holiday in the UK regardless. Just under 10 per cent said they'd holiday abroad to guarantee good weather.

Asked if increasing Air Passenger Duty would affect holidaying habits abroad, 55 per cent said it would put them off breaks overseas. Perhaps the most surprising outcome of the research, which was undertaken at the height the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, was the fact that environmental worries were of relatively little concern. Just 34 per cent stated that concerns over the environment and global warming would influence them to holiday more in the UK, and only 5 per cent cited the Copenhagen Conference as a key factor in their decision to holiday more in the UK than overseas.

Commenting on the findings, Alan Taylor, Managing Director of Blue Chip Vacations said: "There has been a great deal of scepticism about the staycation phenomena in the UK, with many claiming it to be false. VisitEngland has now publically confirmed that the number of holiday trips taken by Britons within England in the three peak summer months of 2009 was up by 22%. During this same period our bookings were up were up 60 per cent and we're already seeing demand up 66 per cent for 2010, which bodes well for the coming season."

He added: "Combined with the findings of this latest survey we are confident that the staycation trend will continue to boom, in part because of the impact of tighter financial conditions in the UK, but also because domestic visitors have had a taste of what the UK and the South West has to offer, they like it, and are keen to try it again. We're looking forward to positive season here in the South West; one where those who act quickly will get the pick of the bunch."

If a staycation for 2010 sounds like a good idea, take a look at the fantastic array of properties that Blue Chip Vacations will be offering next year!