A new GoShorty survey shows many Brits are swapping flights for UK breaks in 2026, favouring the coast and road trips with motorhomes
The travel landscape in 2026 is shifting as many people rethink plans that once centred on international flights. A survey by GoShorty finds that a significant proportion of the population who would normally book air travel are instead choosing to holiday within the UK, driven by higher costs, concerns about cancellations and practical barriers when travelling to Europe.
In plain terms, travellers are opting for simpler logistics and shorter journeys, prioritising reliability and familiarity over long-haul itineraries. This change is reflected in headline figures: roughly 70% of those who usually plan to fly say they will remain in Britain this year, and about 62% intend to take a staycation in 2026.
Part of this return to domestic travel is cultural as much as practical. Many respondents describe looking forward to a back to basics summer that recreates childhood seaside memories rather than the stresses of airports and the EU Entry/Exit system.
The survey also highlights shifting travel preferences — with the coast the most popular choice, the countryside close behind and urban breaks still in demand. At the same time, there is growing interest in flexible, self-contained travel options; an uptick in people planning road trips and using motorhomes underlines a desire for spontaneity and control over the holiday environment.
Why holiday plans are changing
Economic and logistical factors are the most commonly cited reasons for choosing a UK holiday in 2026. Respondents point to rising prices for flights and package trips, broader uncertainty about overseas travel arrangements and worries about last-minute cancellations. These concerns combine with a lingering appetite for nostalgia: many travellers say they want to relive classic British experiences such as walking on the beach or eating fish and chips by the sea. The survey shows that roughly three quarters (about 74%) of staycationers welcome a simpler holiday format, while almost 90% say they want to get to know the UK better this year.
Where people are heading
Traditional seaside and scenic rural areas dominate the list of preferred destinations. The Lake District tops the poll as the single most popular choice, followed by well-known coastal towns and cities. Other frequent picks include Brighton, Bournemouth and historic seaside resorts such as Scarborough and Blackpool. The Scottish Highlands also feature among the top destinations, reflecting a mix of coastal and countryside appeal. These places attract visitors seeking natural beauty, cultural heritage and straightforward holiday experiences without the complications of international travel.
Top 10 staycation spots
The survey’s top ten list highlights the classics that are back in vogue: Lake District, Brighton, Bournemouth, Southend, Scarborough, St Ives, Blackpool, Newquay, Whitby and the Scottish Highlands. These locations span coastlines and uplands, giving travellers options for walking, water-based activities and family-focused attractions. For many respondents, the appeal is not just scenery but a chance to reconnect with simple holiday rituals — paddling, fish and chips on the promenade, seaside arcades and long country walks — elements that feed into the broader nostalgic trend.
How people plan to travel and spend
Transport and accommodation choices are adapting to the staycation surge. There is evidence of a rise in people opting for motorhomes and campervans to combine mobility with self-contained accommodation, enabling flexible itineraries and fewer interactions in crowded public spaces. The survey notes that a small but noticeable proportion plan to tour the country by motorhome, a choice supported by new short-term insurance products aimed at this market. Financially, holiday budgets are not shrinking: average planned spend per trip is reported at around £2,216, up from £2,121 the previous year, with Londoners expecting to spend more than other regions (£3,098 on average).
Motorhome trends and road trips
The motorhome option appeals to travellers seeking freedom, spontaneity and control, with many planning road trips that can cover several regions in one itinerary. The reported average driving distance for those planning road travel is substantial, and nearly seven in ten are plotting journeys from early summer onwards. This pattern suggests that families and couples are balancing safety, value and adventure by creating bespoke domestic routes rather than relying on fixed holiday packages abroad.
In short, 2026 looks set to be a year when the British coastline and countryside regain prominence on holiday itineraries. Whether motivated by cost, convenience or nostalgia, many travellers are rediscovering what the UK can offer: varied landscapes, familiar rituals and new ways to explore by road. The combination of rising interest in staycations, a clear list of popular destinations and changing travel methods underlines a significant shift in how people plan their summer breaks.
