India, July 9 -- Britain's summer holidays are being redefined in 2026, with new travel behaviors and bold choices shaping the season. Here are the standout trends from Booking.com's Summer Getaway Report:
Travel Trends
- New destinations: 71% of Brits plan to visit somewhere they've never been before.
- Global hotspots: Shanghai (+88%), Santa Barbara (+57%), and LA (+26%) are trending.
- European escapes: Budva (Montenegro, +56%) and Dublin (+48%) are rising favorites.
- UK staycations: Morecambe (+106%), Carnforth (+86%), and Exmouth (+76%) top the charts.
Extreme Day Trips
- 58% of Brits say they'd travel to a dream destination and back in a single day.
- Searches for same-day return international flights are up 62% year-on-year.
Child-Free Escapes
- 30% of parents prefer holidays without kids this summer.
- 41% are planning adults-only getaways, with 37% actively seeking adults-only resorts.
Solo Adventures
- Solo travel is booming, especially in Portugal: Moncão (+5288%) and Machico (+376%).
- Other trending solo spots: Trapani (Italy), Porto Vecchio (France), Zakynthos Town (Greece).
Romance & Passion-Led Travel
- 76% of Brits plan trips with romance in mind; 23% of singles hope to find love abroad.
- Passion-driven trips are rising: hiking (19%), wildlife spotting (16%), stargazing (10%).
- Wellness escapes: silent retreats, yoga, saunas, ice baths, and sound baths.
Bigger Budgets
- Despite cost-of-living pressures, 31% plan to spend more, with average budgets at £1,526.
- Extra spend goes to bucket-list experiences (27%), better accommodation (21%), and upgraded flights (18%).
In short, Britain's summer holidays are shifting from traditional beach breaks to experience-first, passion-led, and adventurous escapes - whether that's a child-free retreat, a whirlwind day trip, or a solo journey off the beaten track.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.