The long-standing tradition of a single, two-week summer holiday is fading among Britons, replaced by a trend of multiple shorter getaways throughout the year. Research indicates a significant shift towards these "multibreaks," with 66 percent of travelers planning several shorter trips in 2026, according to KAYAK's What the Future Travel Trends Report. This change reflects a modern perspective where frequent, smaller indulgences are viewed as necessities rather than luxuries.
The rise of low-cost airlines, including easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, has been a major catalyst, making spontaneous weekend trips more accessible and affordable. Sophie Dekkers, chief commercial officer for easyJet, noted that the airline's extensive network and value fares offer travelers flexibility. "This means it's never been easier to swap your usual weekend at home for world-class museums and culinary scenes, and be back in time for the week to start," she told the Daily Mail. The airline's "Drop Everything Flights" feature further facilitates last-minute bookings for trips departing within 48 hours.
Flight searches for one- to four-day trips have increased by 8 percent in the past year, and the hashtag #weekendgetaway has seen a 60 percent surge on TikTok, according to KAYAK's findings. This trend extends to domestic travel as well, with nearly 80 percent of British holidaymakers choosing UK staycations, according to BWH Hotels GB research. Popular domestic destinations include the Cotswolds, the Lake District, Cornwall, and Devon.
The global travel landscape has also been influenced by geopolitical events. The conflict in the Middle East has led many travelers to favor short-haul destinations. ABTA research shows that 84 percent of those planning international travel in the coming months are opting for destinations reachable within a few hours by flight. Spain, Italy, France, Greece, and Portugal remain top choices for international travel.
Alessandro Petazzi, CEO of Lastminute.com, observed that European destinations, particularly capital cities, are perceived as safer options amid current global uncertainties. "I think that, especially now, there is a perception that people feel a European destination is very safe - and a European capital city is even safer," he stated. Lastminute.com's Travel Horizons Report highlights the growing popularity of Eastern European destinations like Gdansk and Bucharest, known for their affordability and accessibility, making them ideal for weekend trips.
This evolving travel pattern suggests a desire to experience more places more frequently, even if it means shorter durations. The trend extends to the concept of "extreme" day trips, with Booking.com's Summer Getaway Report indicating that 58 percent of Britons are interested in traveling to a dream destination and returning on the same day. This trajectory from extended holidays to weekend breaks, and potentially even day trips, marks a significant transformation in British travel habits.