Almost 95 per cent of UK drivers are planning to make a journey over the next few weeks, as summer officially gets underway, according to a report by The AA. But most travelers are opting to stay nearer home planning short excursions rather than long road trips. The results, from a poll of more than 12,000 drivers, suggest that although the UK is set for a busy summer on the roads, many people are choosing to move around locally, take day trips and holiday in this country.

More than two-thirds (67%) of respondents expect to drive fewer than 100 miles per week, revealing a shift in travel habits as day trips become the new weekend away. This preference is particularly visible on the late summer bank holiday weekend, with almost 80% of motorists driving shorter distances, indicating a shift from the more usual long bank holiday road trips.

A Shift in Travel Behavior

The survey also shows a u-turn in UK drivers in the distance vs proximity balance this summer. Most common purposes for travel are journey to work (23%), shopping (22%) and visiting relatives or friends (17%). The research even reveals that more than a third of drivers are planning on hitting the roads without direction, which tends to be even higher during the long bank holiday weekends when impulse frequently takes the lead in making travel decisions. More than half of the respondents to the survey do not currently have a clear plan for the next bank holiday weekend, and this suggests a move to last-minute trips and a less rigid approach to making summer trips.

At the same, the study points out, the number of people traveling long distances has stayed fairly constant, with 46% traveling less than 50 miles and 21% between 51 and 100 miles. These shorter travel distances suggest that while many people are still yearning for a getaway, more appear to be gravitating toward an idea of staying closer to home, and perhaps settling for shorter drives to local destinations: coastal spots, country walks or family visits.

Bank Holiday Weekend: A Quieter Road Ahead?

On the August bank holiday (22–26 August) over the weekend, it is evident the number of long distance travellers will fall, and more people will stay local. According to the research, 68% of those polled will continue to drive 50 miles or less during the bank holiday weekend, with just 11% planning a journey of 51-100 miles. 12% of those surveyed also interestingly, didn’t intend to drive whatsoever over the bank holiday weekend.

This shift is in line with the larger change in the way people are thinking about summer travel. Thanks to flexible working hours, increased travel costs, and a heightened desire for local escapes more and more are turning to day and weekend trips, rather than going on the full-length vacation. Whether going to a neighbouring beach, a scenic countryside outing or heading out to meet the extended family, the trend of traveling local can be seen.

Fuel Prices and Travel Costs

Even as many drivers stick to shorter trips, there is another concern: the rising price of fuel. The most recent forecourt figure places the UK average pump price back to where it was in the middle of April with petrol now 135.0p and diesel 142.6p. In June, petrol fell to as low as 132.0p while diesel fell to a minimum of 138.1p Analysis of fuel costs along holiday routes by the AA found that petrol on motorway service areas is typically 20p a liter more expensive than the average, while petrol on major A-roads is 5.5p a liter over average. Motorists are urged to make plans and get information from the likes of the AA Route Planner to find out where they will find cheaper fuel along their route.

Practical Travel Tips for a Smooth Summer Journey

One of the UK’s most experienced patrols, AA Patrol of the Year Shaun Jones, warned of the importance of planning and preparation to removing the irritations from your summer break. Jones recommends drivers consider their car as part of the holiday preparation, having serviced if necessary before setting out. Motorists will need to examine their tires, fluids and battery to guarantee a trouble-free trip, particularly if driving long distances.

Plus, drivers should take out breakdown cover so they have peace of mind that help is nearby in the case of a problem. The AA’s app can also find you cheaper fuel and alert you of traffic jams, making it simpler to navigate busy roads when travelling.

Jones added that planning travel around busiest periods is also crucial, suggesting road users check the AA Route Planner, to avoid congestion hotspots. While many drivers are staying in their communities, those taking longer drives should expect possible delays and plan accordingly.

Looking Ahead: A Continued Focus on Local Travel

In UK, where the summer holiday season is in full swing, the results of The AA’s poll indicate that more local travel, day trips and short breaks will fill drive plans. As people opt to stay within a short drive of home, shorter trips are becoming the new normal, echoing broader shifts in work, lifestyle and holiday habits. With travel getting more expensive and more people into flexible work, it’s also a trend that is expected to continue into the future.

(Source: The AA)