Britons Opt for Spontaneous, Budget-Friendly UK Getaways

• UK holidaymakers are increasingly booking last-minute, shorter trips within the country to save money and enjoy the summer weather.
• A surge in camping and all-inclusive stays highlights a shift towards affordable, convenient travel options.

In a bid to save money while making the most of the warm weather, UK holidaymakers are increasingly booking shorter, spontaneous trips closer to home, according to major travel companies. Booking.com reported a 23% increase in searches for UK trips within six weeks during July, while Airbnb noted that more Brits are opting for spontaneous local getaways. Pitchup.com, which lists around 3,000 UK campsites, found that a quarter of bookings this year were made with just two days’ notice.

Sykes Holiday Cottages observed an 8% reduction in the time between booking and travel. Butlin’s holiday park in Skegness also saw a 22% rise in bookings over the past two weeks, with guests like the Harmston family from Lincoln booking just two weeks in advance to secure last-minute deals.

The trend extends to camping, with families like the Mahonys from Manchester choosing affordable camping trips over international travel. Retailers such as Decathlon and GO Outdoors have reported significant increases in sales of family tents and camping equipment, indicating a growing interest in camping as a cost-effective holiday option.

Overall, the UK travel industry is witnessing a shift towards budget-friendly, flexible travel options, reflecting the changing preferences of holidaymakers seeking convenience and affordability.

Discover more at BBC.