Brits holiday half-term habits revealed

As the RAC predicts the ‘busiest bank holiday getaway since the pandemic’, with a record 20 million leisure car trips, Virgin Media O2 Business research reveals almost a third (29%) of Brits are travelling for UK-based holidays more now than pre-pandemic.

Insights from the Virgin Media O2 Business Movers Index reveal six in ten (59%) Brits are planning activities for the bank holiday, including visiting the seaside (25%), countryside (24%), and cities (20%). The most likely UK holiday destinations include Cornwall (19%), the Lake District (19%), London (18%) and Wales (19%).

The increase in UK holiday travel can be credited to Brits’ desires to explore new destinations (35%), alongside flexible work arrangements allowing for additional holiday time (28%). It comes as 35% of Brits report travelling abroad less for holidays, with over half (55%) of those citing financial constraints as a factor and 33% increased expenses in other areas of life (e.g. housing and healthcare).

These domestic outings promise a much-needed boost for British businesses, with 60% anticipating a surge in activity during the bank holiday period. To encourage spending, 37% of businesses are rolling out special deals and discounts, while an additional 39% plan to host special events or activities in line with the bank holiday.

Diego Tedesco, Director of Commercial, Product, and Marketing at Virgin Media O2 Business, said, “As we approach the May bank holiday, our Virgin Media O2 Business Movers Index shows that only 7% of people will be holidaying abroad, with the majority of Brits opting for local activities in the UK.

“Following a period of reduced spending from the cost-of-living crisis, businesses are set to receive a much-needed boost, hopefully setting the stage for a successful summer ahead.”