Brits swap holidays overseas for brief UK breaks – and EV drivers profit most
Short breaks close to home are becoming a first-choice for nearly half of Brits – and EV drivers are saving even more on travel costs.
More than four in 10 Brits now favour taking multiple UK-based micro-holidays throughout the year – over one annual holiday, according to research. A survey of 2,000 adults found they’d rather allocate the money one big holiday would cost towards multiple mini breaks throughout the year. A fifth are planning for one of these short breaks – set within 100 miles of their home – this bank holiday weekend.
According to the research, 44% are now taking more micro-holidays than they were five years ago. Three quarters enjoy these types of holidays as they have helped them discover more historical landmarks, coastal towns, and more of the British countryside.
One in five are planning to take a micro-cation this bank holiday weekend(Image: Getty Images)
The study, commissioned by Smart Energy GB, found 49% have taken a micro-holiday in the past year alone, while 58% agreed micro-holidays are now part of their annual travel plans. For 44%, they are now a first-choice.
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “With household budgets under pressure, shorter breaks closer to home offer the chance to relax, recharge and create lasting memories without travelling far and often at a lower cost.”
The research also revealed 69% agreed a micro-cation was more budget-friendly than visiting somewhere overseas, and of those who have switched a holiday abroad for a micro-cation, 67% did so to slash expenses.
Micro-cations are a cost-effective way for families to make lasting memories(Image: Getty Images)
Of those who’ve saved money by opting for this type of holiday, 34% have used the extra cash to take more short breaks, while 47% put it straight into savings.
The study also surveyed 593 EV drivers and discovered almost half (47%) said owning an electric vehicle has made them more likely to take a micro-cation.
Two in five (39%) enjoyed the ease of leaving home with a fully charged car, and not having to search for a service station or public charging point.
EV drivers can benefit from even lower costs when holidaying closer to home(Image: Getty Images)
Based on public data verified by New Automotive, a 200-mile round trip costs £36.57 in fuel in an average family car. While it costs as little as £14.92 to charge an EV at home on a standard electricity tariff to cover the same distance – a saving of 59%.
Meanwhile, smart meter owners can cut costs even further by charging overnight on a flexible EV tariff – bringing the cost down to just £4.57 on average. It turns out, 37% of electric car drivers are already doing so versus only 14% who choose public charging points.
Victoria Bacon added: “By using a smart meter to access an EV tariff that fits your needs best, you can save a significant amount on travel costs by charging during cheaper, off-peak periods.”
Double Olympic champion and EV enthusiast, Helen Glover OBE, said: “Some of our best family adventures haven’t involved travelling hundreds of miles – they’ve been spontaneous trips that are less than a couple of hours away by car.
“Whether it’s the rolling countryside of Devon, the dramatic coastline of Cornwall or the peaceful trails of Dartmoor, there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
“As an EV driver, those local adventures can be more affordable, convenient and sustainable too.”
