Brits flip backs on international holidays for seaside staycations

Brits are increasingly ditching foreign holidays over rising costs and fear of cancellations and are instead, banking on the British seaside

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We’re ditching holidays abroad due to rising costs, economic uncertainty and fear of cancellations and choosing the good old British seaside instead, new research shows

According to a new survey by temporary vehicle insurance experts GoShorty, almost three quarters (70%) of respondents said they’d usually be planning to board an aeroplane but are staying put this year. The preferred choice is excursions to the coast (62%), followed by the countryside (31%) and a town break (24%).

In total, nearly two thirds (62%) are planning a staycation in 2026 with three quarters (74%) of those admitting they’re looking forward to a ‘back to basics’ summer away from the hassle of airports and the chaos of the EU’s Entry/Exit system.

And classic British destinations are back on the map, with the stunning Lake District, home to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, and its biggest lake, Lake Windermere, topping the poll (13%).

Next, Brighton (12%), Bournemouth (11%), Southend (9%), Scarborough (7%), St Ives (7%), Blackpool (7%), Newquay (7%), Whitby (7%) and the Scottish Highlands (6%) all making the top ten list of places Brits are planning to visit domestically.

The poll additionally found that nearly all Brits (90%) want to get to know the UK better this year, with more than a third (68%) plotting a road trip from June onwards. This means that, in total, we’re planning to hit the road and drive an average of 191 miles.

And there’s an upswing in motorhome usage, with one in twenty (5%) aiming to travel the country in one.

Phil Evans, Managing Director at GoShorty, said: “With the 90s nostalgia trend taking over fashion, tech and lifestyle already, our data also shows its influencing people’s travel plans this year, with many Brits looking to recreate the seaside holidays they enjoyed growing up.

“Rising costs and uncertainty around overseas travel are encouraging more families and couples to stay closer to home, but that doesn’t mean people want to compromise on adventure.

“Motorhomes are becoming an increasingly attractive option for travellers wanting freedom and spontaneity this summer. Whether it’s a coastal escape, countryside break or a full road trip around Britain, people are embracing the idea of getting out on the open road and making the most of what the UK has to offer.

“Our new Temporary motorhome insurance is the perfect way to facilitate this, offering flexibility and spontaneity in as little as 90 seconds.”

The study delved also into relationships with summer holidays, specifically the nostalgic things from the past, and what they’re looking forward to re-creating in 2026.

Walking on the beach with the sand between our toes (60%) is what Brits are most looking forward to, ahead of the quintessentially British treat of eating fish and chips next to the sea (49%).

They’re also keen on making family memories together (43%), taking family photos (33%), paddling in the sea (27%) and taking long country walks (27%).

Next up in the nostalgia stakes came tucking into a ‘99’ Flake (25%), family picnics (25%) and playing slot machines (22%).

Interestingly, with the news that staycation prices are being hiked as a result of demand, Brits are planning to spend more than they did on last year’s summer break–that’s despite the majority staying in the UK.

We’re planning to splash out £2,216 up from £2,121 and Londoners are the biggest potential spenders with people from the capital predicting to fork out £3,098, the residents of Manchester (£2,607) and then Belfast (£2,556) came next.

TOP 10 STAYCATION SPOTS:

1. Lake District 13%

2. Brighton 12%

3. Bournemouth 11%

4. Southend 9%

5. Scarborough 7%

6. St Ives 7%

7. Blackpool 7%

8. Newquay 7%

9. Whitby 7%

10. Scottish Highlands 6%

TOP 25 NOSTALGIC THINGS WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO RE-CREATING THIS SUMMER:

1. Walking on the beach

2. Eating fish and chips by the sea

3. Making family memories

4. Taking family photos

5. Paddling in the sea

6. Long countryside walks

7. Eating a ‘99’ Flake

8. Family picnics

9. Playing slot machines

10. Playing board games

11. Visiting the pier

12. No technology

13. Eating doughnuts from a seaside stall

14. Building sandcastles on the beach

15. Collecting seashells

16. Rainy day pub trips

17. Playing cards

18. Bike rides

19. Sitting in deckchairs

20. Staying in a caravan park

21. Camping

22. Buying sticks of rock

23. Crabbing

24. Kite flying

25. Paddleboarding