Britons opt for ‘later, closer, shorter’ breaks as domestic travel trend grows

UK holidaymakers are increasingly booking “later, closer and shorter” breaks, as cost-conscious travellers look to make the most of Britain’s summer without committing to expensive overseas trips.

Major travel firms say the shift is being driven by people delaying bookings to secure last-minute deals, choosing destinations within easy reach, and opting for shorter stays to keep costs down.

Data from Booking.com shows that searches in July for UK trips departing within the next six weeks were up 28% compared with last year. Airbnb also reported that more Britons are “embracing spontaneous getaways close to home”, while campsite platform Pitchup.com revealed that one in four bookings this year was made just 48 hours before arrival.

Sykes Holiday Cottages, which manages 23,000 properties across the UK, said the average gap between booking and travel has shortened by 8% in 2025. Airbnb added that “all signs point to a summer where guests are again choosing quieter, affordable places”.

Butlin’s in Skegness has seen a 22% surge in bookings in the past fortnight, according to resort director Andrew Leivers, who said people are making reservations later than in previous years. “We’ve got three, four and seven-night breaks… for different people’s budgets,” he added.

Among the 80,000 guests visiting Butlin’s this summer, Kirsty Harmston from Lincoln said she booked just two weeks in advance. “We always try to get a last-minute deal. Booking all-inclusive in the UK helps keep costs down – the worst part of a holiday is paying extras on top of what you’ve already budgeted.”

For families, shorter breaks can be more practical. “It’s easier,” said Kelly Towers, who travelled with her sister-in-law and children. “You can take more with you when you stay in this country, and there are so many beautiful places in the UK.”

The weather has also played a role in late decision-making. Manor Wood Country Caravan Park owner Nigel Dutton said more people are waiting to see the forecast before booking. “Short breaks seem to be the name of the game. People can pre-pay, budget easily, and I think we’re seeing a revival in camping.”

Chelsea and Adam Mahony from Manchester booked an impromptu camping trip after deciding they could not afford to travel abroad this year. “We bought a cheap tent online and thought, let’s just try something closer to home,” said Chelsea.

Camping retailers have noticed the shift too. Decathlon reported a 60% year-on-year rise in family tent sales, while GO Outdoors saw camping equipment sales up 20%, with more customers upgrading to include luxuries such as mattresses, carpets and furniture.

For the Davis family from Dudley, camping remains a cost-effective way to holiday. “It’s cheaper than going abroad and we still get a break with the kids,” said Andy Davis, who invested in new kit for this year’s trip. Six-year-old Poppy gave her verdict: “I like sleeping in a tent, even though my dad really wants a caravan.”

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Britons opt for ‘later, closer, shorter’ breaks as domestic travel trend grows