Come back Euroland, all is forgiven!!

Thanks to a sickly British economy and an even sicklier pound sterling, the Brits are staying at home this year.

yes, the fashion is to eschew the Spabnish costas and that delightful villa in France or Italy and have a holiday in blighty.

Staycation is the phrase of the year, but will it last?

In previous summer visits to Britain, I have jetted off to Spain for some warm sun and a change of scene.

But this year, I wanted to see more of the land of my birth, particuallrly favourite parts like the Cumbria Lake District and bits I haven't seen before like coastal Northumberland.

Anyway, you do notice that while a sick pound has made the countries using the Euro expensive, Britain is no bargain basement country either, especially when compared with Australia and new Zealand.

Petrol is £1.10 or $2-70 a litre which makes those little drives costly, and a basic room at a Travelodge is £55 ($135) and Travelodge is a budget brand here, and don't expect a fridge in your room either.

Climate change regardless, Britain still has its fickle climate. It was steamy and hot in my first week but the past week or so has been somewhat chilly , around 18c. A pleasant winter's day in Kerikeri, eh BB?

Admittedly, I haven't done too badly with the rain on my trips away, but i was so looking forward to seeing the seals and the puffins at Seahouses this morning. But it was cold and windy and the tiny little boats weren't sailing.

And with parking charges existing for parking in the smallest village, especially around the prettier ones, brace yourself for Auckland or Sydney-style parking charges.

I am sure once the novely of staying at home has worn off, people realise about the fickle weather, and the costs of a UK holiday, the 'in' places for 2010, will be our favoured spots in 'Euroland' and the Spanish costas will be chockablock with Brits once more