More than four in 10 Britons now favour taking several UK-based micro-holidays throughout the year – rather than one annual getaway, new research has revealed.
A survey of 2,000 adults discovered they would prefer to spend what one major trip would cost on numerous short breaks spread across the year. A fifth are planning one of these brief escapes – located within 100 miles of their home – this bank holiday weekend.
The research shows 44% are now enjoying more micro-holidays than they were five years ago. Three quarters appreciate these types of breaks as they have enabled them to explore more historical sites, seaside towns, and greater swathes of the British countryside.
The study, commissioned by Smart Energy GB, revealed 49% have embarked on a micro-holiday in the past year alone, while 58% confirmed micro-holidays are now incorporated into their yearly travel arrangements. For 44%, they have become a preferred option.
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “With household budgets under pressure, shorter breaks closer to home offer the chance to relax, recharge and create lasting memories without travelling far and often at a lower cost.”
The research further revealed that 69% of respondents agreed a micro-cation was more affordable than an overseas trip, while of those who had swapped a foreign holiday for a micro-cation, 67% did so primarily to reduce expenditure.
Among those who saved money through this type of holiday, 34% used the additional funds to take more short breaks, while 47% put it directly into their savings.
The study also surveyed 593 EV drivers, discovering that almost half (47%) said owning an electric vehicle had made them more inclined to take a micro-cation.
Two in five (39%) appreciated the convenience of setting off from home with a fully charged vehicle, without the need to search for a service station or public charging point.
Based on publicly available data verified by New Automotive, a 200-mile round trip costs £36.57 in fuel in a typical family car, while charging an EV at home on a standard electricity tariff to cover the same distance costs as little as £14.92 — a saving of 59%.
Smart meter owners can slash costs even further by charging overnight on a flexible EV tariff, reducing the average cost to just £4.57. It emerges that 37% of electric car drivers already do so, compared with just 14% who opt for public charging points.
Victoria Bacon added: “By using a smart meter to access an EV tariff that fits your needs best, you can save a significant amount on travel costs by charging during cheaper, off-peak periods.”
Double Olympic champion and EV enthusiast, Helen Glover OBE, said: “Some of our best family adventures haven’t involved travelling hundreds of miles – they’ve been spontaneous trips that are less than a couple of hours away by car.
“Whether it’s the rolling countryside of Devon, the dramatic coastline of Cornwall or the peaceful trails of Dartmoor, there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
“As an EV driver, those local adventures can be more affordable, convenient and sustainable too.”
TOP 10 REASONS BRITS ARE PACKING FOR A MICRO-CATION:
- Explore more of the UK
- Discover places closer to home
- Lower travel costs
- Avoid hassle of overseas travel
- More travel flexibility
- Easier to organise than a longer trip
- To make holiday budgets go further
- Easier to fit around work
- Spend more time exploring
- Easier to fit around family commitments