Road trips

Narin Flanders hit le road with her family, stopping off at Disneyland and Eurocamp as part of a tour of the country that began with Brittany Ferries and ended with Le Shuttle

There are plenty of good reasons to swap flying for a driving holiday this summer: airline prices are creeping up, airport strikes are planned in several European hub cities and rumblings about jet fuel availability with the ongoing issues in the Strait of Hormuz.

However, why my family and I finally took the plunge, after months of reading about roadtrips online, was a reason much closer to home. As a family of four allergic to the concept of travelling light, the idea of being able to fill our Kia Sportage with everyone’s (admittedly often non-essential) essentials and travel to a few different places in one trip was a tempting prospect.

So we took the plunge and put together an itinerary, including a bit of something for everybody. We started by getting on a Brittany Ferry at Portsmouth, travelling five hours to Caen and then two hours cross-country to a Eurocamp in Domaine des Ormes, Brittany.

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We started with four days of Center Parcs style, living at a fraction of the price of a hotel. Swimming, ziplines, and playgrounds were aplenty (along with unlimited wifi – it wasn’t all Swallows and Amazons ). Then we meandered across to Le Mans as a treat for my husband and I, who are both major racing fans.

From the hallowed tarmac, we headed towards the capital to visit Disneyland Paris. After two full days at the European House of the Mouse, soaking up the new Adventure World Park as well as fulfilling all my son’s and my Marvel nerd dreams, we took Le Shuttle home.

While we were definitely nervous about driving abroad, what I realised quickly was that Gemini could answer lots of questions and even help plot the itinerary, right down to recommending great towns between our main destinations with things to do with the kids.

Planning ahead allowed us to get organised with essentials. In France, there’s a lot to consider to stay road legal. All cars driving in France need to have a safety kit in the boot in case of an emergency by law. They’re easily bought from Amazon for around £20, although make sure to buy extra high viz jackets if needed – everyone in the car needs their own.

Meanwhile, an Emovis tag is a £9 Bluetooth gadget that you can place on your dashboard and then just drive through tolls and be billed afterwards. It arrived in the UK in plenty of time for our trip, and we loved not having to faff with coins or payment cards at tolls along the way.

Cars driving in major cities that have been designated low-emission zones also need a Crit’Air sticker. These cost €4.71 (£4) including delivery and can be ordered from the French transport ministry – although beware the scam sites that come up on Google suggesting you order through them at a higher price. Cars without a Crit’Air can be fined €68, so if you think you’re going to stray into low-emission zones, it’s worth getting one for peace of mind.

While, of course, driving in France involves getting used to being on the wrong side of the road, once we were actually there, the experience was largely stress-free. I’d say French drivers are better at using motorways properly than we are – middle lane hogs didn’t seem to be much of a thing.

There are some differences, though. Notably, the responsibility for drivers to give way to cars joining the motorway, so remembering to move over took some getting used to. We were relieved to find Google Maps worked effectively everywhere we went, so it’s definitely worth paying for roaming data or picking up a temporary SIM from brands like Lebara or Smarty that include it free.

While a driving holiday was slightly out of our comfort zone, it turned into a fun family adventure we’d absolutely do again.

As well as the joys of the individual stops – and surprise diversions along the way, including discovering an unassuming restaurant with steak frites so epic it has become the stuff of family legend – we found, much to my surprise, that the time spent in the car watching the French landscape go by became part of the fun.

At home we’d be firmly in ‘are we there yet?’ territory, but a family Spotify playlist sharing our favourite songs and regular stops at French petrol stations for snacks made the drive as much a part of the adventure as everything else.

Book it

Narin stayed at the Domaine des Ormes Eurocamp. Currently, a four night stay for a two bedroom lodge through Eurocamp starting on Monday, July 20 is £975. For the October half term, Eurocamp is £289.64 for four nights.

The cost of taking a car on Le Shuttle starts at £69, and £89 for Brittany Ferries.

The UK has an incredible range of places to camp, from national parks to unspoilt coastline, so where should you pitch your tent or drive your motorhome this summer? Research has shown the ultimate spot to enjoy the great outdoors

A ‘Summer on a Shoestring Index’ has been created to show the best-value money places to camp in the upcoming months, and the winning destination has some of the country’s best beaches as well as inexpensive spots to pitch up.

Devon beat competition from Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands, and many other beautiful UK regions to be named the UK’s best-value destination for a campervan staycation this summer.

The index, put together by Camplify UK, took into account factors including the price per day for a caravan pitch, tourist board ratings, nearby activities, and the proximity of inexpensive places to eat. Devon also topped the list thanks to its number of National Trust Properties, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and National Parks, all of which offer inexpensive days out for families.

Camping pitches in Devon can be found for as little as £14 a night, and according to Camplify 85% of campsites in the county offer stays for under £20 a night while still maintaining a rating of at least 8.5. For rural escapes, Dartmoor National Park is an incredible choice, offering untamed open moorland and deep river valleys where wild ponies roam.

Devon destinations include the beach towns of Woolacombe and Croyde, and National Trust sites such as Baggy Point and Lydford Gorge make for inexpensive days out. There’s also the North Devon National Landscape to explore, an area of outstanding natural beauty that includes rocky coves, waterfalls, and soft sand dunes.

A recent ranking of the Best Beaches in Europe for 2026 included three in Devon. These included Woolacombe Beach at number 8, which beat beaches in the Canaries and Portugal to get a top ten ranking. Trebarwith Beach came in at number 17, while Bigbury Beach in South Devon ranked at 23.

Coming second on Camplify’s list was neighbouring county Cornwall, which also has lots of free and inexpensive days out for families. Like Devon, its also known for its spectacular beaches, with some compared to the Caribbean. Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, as its turquoise waters and white sands could easily be found on a far-flung island.

For outdoorsy breaks, Cornwall is famous for surfing, especially towns such as Newquay whose beaches are considered some of the best in the UK in which to catch a wave.

Rounding off the top three was the Scottish Highlands, the perfect spot for camping among wild scenery, and waking up to views of mountains and glacial valleys. You’ll find plenty of well-equipped campsites in the region, although unlike England, wild camping is legal in Scotland if you’re in a small tent and ensure you leave no trace when you pack up the next day.

Those camping in motorhomes or bringing caravans still need to ensure they book a pitch at a campsite or other designated area. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) offer a stay the night scheme, where self-contained campers can park cheaply overnight in their car parks, with spaces on a first come, first served basis..

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Car hire is at its peak over summer, with people using them to travel around the UK and beyond. And getting it right is easy with a bit of knowhow, says travel expert Jamie Holt

Hiring a car is not particularly sexy nor glamorous – but it’s a task completed by Brits in their hundreds of thousands every summer. “We’re seeing families prioritise flexibility and convenience more than ever, whether that’s for a summer holiday abroad or a UK staycation,” says Jamie Holt, SIXT’s Head of Operations and Resident Travel Expert. “Whether it’s a week in Cornwall, a weekend in the Lake District, or driving straight from the airport to a resort abroad, people want the journey itself to feel easy and enjoyable.” Here he shares his top tips for getting it right.

Don’t leave it too late

Jamie says: “Summer is always busy, and family-friendly vehicles – SUVs, estates and 7-seaters- get booked up first, particularly during school holidays. Booking early gives you more choice, better value and the right vehicle for your trip. It’s also worth being realistic about space: once you add luggage, pushchairs and everything else, a slightly larger car makes the whole journey more comfortable.”

Embrace flexibility

Jamie says: “My biggest tip is to embrace the flexibility a car gives you – stop at a beach on the way down, visit smaller villages that are harder to reach by train, and avoid the pressure of fixed schedules. Make sure you plan for busy roads during peak weekends: setting off slightly earlier or later than the main rush makes a real difference. Keeping snacks, entertainment and chargers easily accessible helps too. We’re seeing more families turn short UK breaks into proper road trip experiences.”

Understand local rules when abroad

Jamie says: “Book in advance, especially in popular destinations where availability drops quickly in summer. Make sure you understand the local driving rules before you travel – speed limits, road signs and right-of-way rules can vary significantly. Check what’s included in your rental: unlimited kilometres, protection options and 24/7 breakdown assistance make a big difference abroad. And always take five minutes to familiarise yourself with the vehicle, the navigation system and local road apps before you set off.”

Book the right car for you

Jamie says: “Comfort and practicality should come first. People focus on price, but choosing the right vehicle completely changes the experience. At SIXT, we specialise in premium vehicles, so customers can expect a comfortable drive from the moment they collect the car. For summer, whether you’re heading on a UK road trip or hiring abroad, SUVs and larger family vehicles are popular because they offer the room and comfort that longer journeys demand. Think beyond getting from A to B; the journey should feel like part of the holiday.”

Take five minutes before setting off

Jamie says: “It makes a real difference, especially when driving somewhere unfamiliar or abroad. Before anything else, do a full walk-around of the car and take photos and videos – it only takes a moment and gives you peace of mind for the journey ahead. Check the navigation system, phone connectivity, charging points and child seat fittings before leaving the branch. Test how luggage fits in the boot rather than assuming it will all squeeze in later. Travel days can already feel hectic during summer, so a little preparation upfront helps everything run more smoothly.”

Plan, plan, plan

Jamie says: “Extra planning goes a long way during peak season. Whether you’re collecting from an airport, heading off on a staycation or navigating busy roads, giving yourself extra time helps. Keep an eye on live traffic updates and avoid the busiest routes where you can. If you’re travelling with children, build regular breaks into the journey. Hiring a car through SIXT already takes a lot off your plate – with flexible booking, 24/7 support and out-of-hours returns, families can focus on enjoying the trip.”

Hire straight from the airport

Jamie says: “Hiring straight from the airport removes unnecessary stress. After a flight, the last thing you want is to navigate train connections or wait for taxis with lots of luggage. Having a car ready means you continue your journey comfortably and on your own schedule – especially useful in destinations abroad where public transport is limited. We also see strong demand for same-day and short-notice bookings during summer, so flexibility is built in for when plans change.”

Look beyond the headline price

Jamie says: “Features like unlimited kilometres, vehicle protection and 24/7 breakdown assistance make a huge difference, particularly for families driving long distances or abroad. Adding an extra driver for longer trips is also worth considering – sharing the driving makes the experience more relaxed, especially with children. And for UK staycations, you can often book and collect from city centres and local branches, not just airports.”

Think about the journey as part of the holiday…

…”not just the transport,” says Jamie. “The smoother the travel day, the better the trip starts for everyone. Booking early not only gives you the widest choice of vehicle categories – it’s also where you’ll find the best rates, with SIXT’s prepay option offering great value and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. At SIXT, we’re making it easier than ever to hit the road – browse the premium fleet at sixt.co.uk or download the SIXT app to book from our nationwide network including city centres such as London, Manchester, and airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and many more. SIXT gives people the freedom to travel on their own schedule, make spontaneous stops, and avoid the stress of crowded stations or peak-time public transport.”

A survey of 2,000 UK adults has named the best staycation destinations for 2026, with Cornwall’s St Ives retaining the top spot and Northumberland’s Bamburgh making a surprise new entry into the rankings

Britain’s top staycation destinations for 2026 have been unveiled, with Cornwall’s St Ives claiming the number one spot yet again and the Northumberland village of Bamburgh securing second place as a fresh addition to the rankings.

The yearly staycation report, drawn from a survey of 2,000 adults, showed that Bourton-on-the-Water and Salcombe have grown in popularity, while other coastal hotspots also experienced shifts in the standings. Brighton overtook Lyme Regis, climbing to sixth place, ahead of the Dorset town, which has moved from fifth last year to seventh.

The study, commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, discovered that 38% intend to take their main holiday within the UK this year, climbing to 53% amongst Gen Z. This is up from 34% of adults who said the same last year, while Gen Z’s appetite for UK holidays has increased from 45% in 2025.

James Shaw, chief commercial officer at the holiday brand which launched the annual Staycation Index Report, said: “The continued popularity of UK breaks demonstrates that staycations remain a key part of how Brits holiday.

“More people are choosing to stay at home and prioritising value, flexibility and reassurance when planning time away, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty around overseas travel.

“What’s especially notable this year is the growing influence of younger travellers, Gen Z is increasingly embracing UK holidays, with more people opting for experience-led trips that combine scenery, food, culture and the chance to explore multiple destinations in one break.

“From seaside towns and national parks to countryside retreats, the UK continues to offer an enormous variety of holiday experiences, and that’s reflected in the strength and diversity of destinations featured in this year’s rankings.”

The study revealed that 64% are planning to — or have considered — a multi-destination road trip, stopping off at an average of three locations. Coastal spots are the most sought after, followed by rural areas and national parks.

Tourist attractions (48%) were also a deciding factor when choosing where to visit, alongside locations with fond memories (38%) and positive reviews and ratings (35%).

Of those hoping for a break in the UK, 48% said it’s simply the time they have to switch off and relax.

The study, conducted via OnePoll, found 14% have been swayed by a film or TV show, with Peaky Blinders proving the most influential following its film release this year (11%), set in Birmingham.

Similarly, Northern Ireland, home of the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon; and Northumberland, which was a location for Jurassic World, were also popular choices.

James Shaw, added: “For many people, holidays remain one of the most important opportunities in the year to properly switch off and spend quality time together, even as budgets remain under pressure.

“What this research highlights is that UK travel continues to appeal because it offers both convenience and variety – whether that’s a coastal escape, a countryside road trip or revisiting places that hold personal memories.

“We’re also seeing more travellers embrace flexible, multi-stop breaks, with people increasingly keen to experience more of what the UK has to offer in a single trip.”

TOP 50 UK STAYCATIONS

1. St Ives (Cornwall)
2. Bamburgh (Northumberland Coast)
3. Ambleside (Lake District)
4. Grasmere (Lake District)
5. Robin Hood’s Bay (North Yorkshire Coast)
6. Brighton (East Sussex)
7. Lyme Regis (Dorset – Jurassic Coast)
8. Bakewell (Peak District)
9. Salcombe (Devon)
10. Bourton-on-the-Water (Cotswolds)
11. Alnwick (Northumberland)
12. Lerwick (Shetland)
13. Tenby (Pembrokeshire)
14. Conwy (North Wales)
15. Fort William (Gateway to Ben Nevis & the Highlands)
16. Betws-y-Coed (Snowdonia)
17. Castleton (Peak District)
18. Shanklin (Isle of Wight)
19. Lyndhurst (New Forest)
20. Haworth (Yorkshire Dales)
21. Dartmouth (South Devon)
22. Boscastle (North Cornwall)
23. Oban (West Coast gateway to the Isles)
24. Brecon (Brecon Beacons)
25. Wells-next-the-Sea (Norfolk)
26. Portree (Isle of Skye)
27. Llangollen (North Wales)
28. Exmouth (East Devon)
29. Rye (East Sussex)
30. Hastings (East Sussex)
31. Aviemore (Cairngorms National Park)
32. Hay-on-Wye (Brecon Beacons)
33. Broadway (Cotswolds)
34. Whitstable (Kent)
35. Holt (North Norfolk)
36. Brodick (Isle of Arran)
37. Staithes (North Yorkshire Coast)
38. Stamford (Lincolnshire)
39. Salisbury (Wiltshire)
40. Moffat (Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland)
41. Melrose (Scottish Borders)
42. Elan Valley (Mid Wales)
43. Ballintoy (Causeway Coast, Ireland)
44. Pitlochry (Perthshire)
45. Kelso (Scottish Borders)
46. Kingsbridge (South Hams, Devon)
47. Symonds Yat (Forest of Dean)
48. Dunster (Somerset)
49. Luskentyre (Isle of Harris)
50. Anstruther (East Neuk of Fife)

New research shows where and when will be most dangerous for motorists this Bank Holiday weekend

Most motorists reckon the roads are at their most treacherous during rush hour, when traffic is bumper-to-bumper and congestion is at its peak. But with millions of Britons set to hit the road this Bank Holiday weekend, fresh research suggests the greatest danger may lurk when the roads seem at their emptiest.

Fresh analysis by Confused.com appears to reveal the single most hazardous hour to drive in the UK, with motorists being urged to steer clear of this time slot where possible over the bank holiday weekend. Drawing on Department for Transport (DfT) traffic flow and collision data, Confused.com has developed an interactive Safety Index to work out the probability of being caught up in an accident relative to the volume of vehicles on the road.

Rhydian Jones, Confused.com car insurance expert, explains why the emptiest roads can often prove the most perilous, identifies the riskiest and safest times to drive in the UK, and offers guidance on how motorists can use Confused.com’s new Safety Index tool to plan safer journeys during the bank holiday exodus.

Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend away, popping to see relatives or making your way home after a day out, understanding when collision risk peaks could help you sidestep the most dangerous times to be behind the wheel.

Why Quiet Roads Can Be More Dangerous

It appears to defy logic. Fewer vehicles should surely mean fewer crashes. But experts suggest that emptier roads often encourage more reckless driving behaviour. Almost 1 in 3 motorists (29%) acknowledge they break speed limits at least from time to time, while more than 1 in 4 (27%) admit they’re more inclined to speed when traffic is lighter. Factor in poor visibility, driver fatigue and the heightened chance of encountering drink-drivers, and the hazard increases dramatically.

“Road safety relies on more than just how many cars are on the road. It depends on how conditions evolve through the day, and our analysis makes that pattern unmistakably clear. The late afternoon sees the highest number of collisions because the roads are busy. But when we look at the risk per vehicle, it’s the late-night and early-morning hours that are proportionately the most dangerous. That’s when visibility drops, fatigue sets in and roads are quiet enough that drivers may take more risks.

We know journeys become longer, traffic becomes heavier, and weather conditions get tougher. Our research shows many drivers already feel nervous, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas, and nearly a third admit to speeding when the roads look quiet. Our interactive ‘Safety Index’ tool can help drivers make informed decisions about when they travel, reducing risk and helping them stay safer behind the wheel.” Rhydian Jones, Confused.com car insurance expert.

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The Most Dangerous Hours to Drive

The analysis found that the hours with the highest collision risk relative to traffic volume are: