From child-free escapes to 'extreme' day trips: The trends redefining Britain's summer holidays

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: Monção (+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.