Thu, 07 Aug 2025

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 Later, closer, shorter - the holidays Britons are booking this summer

The trend is down to people trying to save money and make the most of hot weather, travel firms say.
Travel companies report an increase in UK holiday bookings made at short notice, with people trying to save money by choosing domestic trips and shorter stays.
* Booking.com saw a 28% rise in searches for UK trips within six weeks in July compared to last year.
* Airbnb notes that more Brits are embracing spontaneous getaways closer to home.
* Pitchup.com reports that 25% of bookings were made with just two days' notice this year.
* Sykes Holiday Cottages saw an 8% drop in the gap between booking and travel dates this year. Industry insiders attribute the trend to people looking for affordable and convenient options, particularly during hot weather. At Butlin's holiday park in Skegness, bookings are up 22% in the last two weeks, with many visitors choosing shorter breaks. Mum Kirsty Harmston from Lincoln said they booked a two-week stay just two weeks before their visit to save money. Others, like Nigel Dutton of Manor Wood Country Caravan Park, notice people booking later to take advantage of good weather. He credits short breaks for being budget-friendly and convenient. The trend is also reflected in sales of camping equipment, with Decathlon reporting a 60% increase in family tents sold compared to last year, while GO Outdoors saw a 20% jump in camping gear sales. As people opt for domestic getaways, retailers are cashing in on the demand for luxury camping kit, including mattresses and furniture.
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