Finally, don't assume last-minute means limited facilities. A short break booked at short notice still comes with full access to whatever's on site, whether that's a pool, a clubhouse or coastal walking routes nearby. It simply means less choice over which specific unit you get, which for a quick, spontaneous trip is rarely the deciding factor anyway.

Off-peak months help enormously too. School holidays and the height of summer are when demand is tightest, so a late booking in May, September or October usually has far more choice than the same search in late July. The weather isn't guaranteed either way, but a coastal or countryside break in early autumn can be genuinely pleasant, with quieter paths and shorter queues wherever you stop for lunch.

Day trips are where staycation budgets often quietly slip, so it's worth planning a mix rather than assuming every day needs an admission ticket. A coastal walk, a free stretch of beach, or a wander round a market town costs nothing beyond fuel, and mixing these in with the odd paid attraction keeps the week varied without every day carrying a ticket price.

Take these four in order, location, size, facilities, pet policy, and most first-time bookings come together quickly. Our own Tingdene Holiday Parks sit across a mix of coastal and quieter countryside settings, so whichever mood you're after for your break, there's usually a fit somewhere in the range.

Find out more at dog-friendly caravan holidays.

There isn't one single answer to how far ahead you should book, because it depends heavily on when you actually want to go.