Brits Embrace New Travel Trends This Summer

From child-free escapes to 'extreme' day trips overview

Britain's summer holiday is getting a makeover. Nearly three quarters (71%)* of Brits are planning to visit somewhere they've never been before, according to Booking.com's Summer Getaway Report - and the data shows a nation hungry for new experiences and bigger adventures.

Important details from the source

• Brits are breaking the holiday habit, with 71% planning to visit somewhere new this summer.*.
• Shanghai is the hottest global summer trending destination, with searches up 88%.**.
• Interest in the 'extreme' day trip is booming with over half (58%) of Brits wanting to travel to a dream destination and back in a single day.***.
• Child-free escapes are on the rise, with 30% of parents saying they'd rather holiday without the kids.***.
• Booking.com's Summer Getaway Report reveals the trends reshaping how Brits holiday in 2026.
• Britain's summer holiday is getting a makeover.
• Nearly three quarters (71%)* of Brits are planning to visit somewhere they've never been before, according to Booking.com's Summer Getaway Report - and the data shows a nation hungry for new experiences and bigger adventures.
• Spain still tops the charts as the UK's favourite summer destination - leading both Booking.com search data and holiday wishlists (32%)*** - but travellers are looking further afield.
• Booking.com search data shows Shanghai, China is this summer's fastest-rising global destination for Brits, with searches up 88% year on year.**.
• Closer to home, there is a fresh demand for UK breaks too, with Morecambe (+106%), Carnforth (+86%) and Exmouth (+76%) among the fastest-rising staycation spots, and rounding out the top five summer trending destinations alongside Shanghai and Santa Barbara.**.

How to use this guide

Use this guide as a structured discovery starting point. Compare the listed options by travel style, season, location, time available, and practical booking needs before making a final decision.

Best for

• Readers comparing several destinations, places, or ideas in one topic.
• Travellers who want inspiration before narrowing down the final plan.
• Users who need a fast overview before checking detailed offers or local conditions.

Things to check before deciding

• Current prices, availability, opening times, and travel conditions.
• Seasonality, weather, local holidays, and peak demand periods.
• Distance from the main arrival point, accommodation area, or planned route.
• Whether the option matches the traveller’s budget, pace, and expectations.

Frequently asked questions

How should I use From child-free escapes to 'extreme' day trips?

Use it to compare options, identify the most relevant ideas, and decide which places or services need deeper research before booking.

Is this guide enough for final planning?

No. A guide is a planning layer. Final planning should include current prices, availability, travel dates, local conditions, and provider terms.

Does 4ME TRAVEL sell these options directly?

4ME TRAVEL provides editorial discovery and may connect readers with relevant partner offers. Final booking, payment, availability, and service conditions are handled by the selected provider.

Conclusion

From child-free escapes to 'extreme' day trips is useful as a comparison starting point. The safest approach is to shortlist the most relevant options, then verify current conditions and booking details before making a final choice.