Rising fuel costs are pushing millions of Brits to ditch long drives and holidays abroad in favour of UK summer holidays closer to home.
Families are choosing to explore locally due to costs of travel(Image: Getty Images)
Staycations are becoming even more local in 2026 – as fuel prices impact summer plans. A survey of 2,000 adults who have enjoyed a UK holiday revealed millions are planning to make the most of their nearby areas – venturing just 85 miles – rather than destinations further away.
According to the findings, one in four of those arranging to go away have switched a foreign holiday for a UK break. But 62% confessed the expense of travel and petrol has been a key factor in bringing this year’s staycation even nearer to home.
A third are reserving a seaside getaway, 27% fancy a countryside camping retreat, and 23% will be savouring day trips from home.
David Howells, camping and travel expert at Halfords which commissioned the study, said: “Summer holidays don’t always have to involve a week-long stay somewhere on a plane, but this year we’re seeing a real shift towards people rediscovering what’s on their doorstep.
“With travel costs front of mind, many are rethinking what a summer break looks like and embracing the charm and convenience of staying closer to home.”
Beyond petrol costs, 32% have had to shorten the duration of their trip, while a further 32% will have to scale back on activities and dining out once they are there.
Nevertheless, the research also discovered there is a bright side as 35% said taking a break nearer to home will lessen the overall stress of it, and 31% can be more adaptable with their plans.
What’s more, 65% said staycationing closer to home will still feel like a ‘proper’ holiday to them, according to the OnePoll.com data.
However, loading up the car appears a distant prospect as those planning a getaway don’t currently possess the necessary essentials such as roof boxes or bars (69%), tents (59%), or folding chairs (23%).
A fifth need to splash out on new purchases specifically for their forthcoming UK holiday, with items like camping stoves (30%), sleeping bags (23%), and cool boxes (23%) on the shopping list.
David Howells added: “It seems people are clearly making more considered choices this summer and cutting back on time away and extras once they get there to keep costs under control.
“However, looking at it more positively, staycations near home are giving people the freedom to be more flexible – whether that’s changing plans last-minute or fitting trips around everyday life.
“A UK break still delivers that all-important sense of escape, proving you don’t have to travel far or spend big to enjoy a proper holiday”.