Rising fuel costs drive interest in flexible UK touring holidays
Higher fuel costs are influencing how people plan holidays, with UK touring trips offering flexibility as caravan and motorhome interest continues to grow.
Rising fuel costs are influencing how holidaymakers plan their trips, with more people looking for flexible UK breaks that allow them to manage travel spending while still enjoying time away.
One Doncaster-based caravan specialist says customers are increasingly looking at touring holidays as a cost-effective alternative to overseas travel, giving them greater control over where they go, how long they stay and how much they spend.
As household budgets continue to face pressure, touring holidays offer travellers greater control over their plans, from choosing destinations and travel dates to deciding how long they stay. The flexibility of caravans and motorhomes has helped maintain interest in domestic holidays as people reassess their travel options.
Recent figures from the RAC highlight continued demand for UK travel despite increased motoring costs. The organisation reported that millions of drivers planned summer getaway trips in 2026, while fuel prices were higher than the previous year. The RAC said some holidaymakers may be choosing UK breaks due to concerns about the cost of overseas travel, including higher air fares and other expenses.
The RAC also reported that filling a 55-litre family-sized car cost around £8.90 more for petrol and £12.20 more for diesel compared with the previous summer.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said:
"Household budgets have also been squeezed thanks to high fuel costs, meaning many may be opting to spend their summer holidays here rather than battle with the expense of going abroad."
The shift towards flexible domestic travel comes as interest in caravans and motorhomes remains strong. Research published by Auto Trader in 2024 found a 59% increase in advert views for caravans and motorhomes over the previous five years. The research also found that one in five Britons planned to take a caravan or motorhome holiday within the next 12 months, while 22% said the rising cost of living had made this type of holiday a more attractive option.
Adwick Caravans, a family-run business established in Doncaster in 2017, says this growing interest is reflected in the enquiries it receives from customers looking for flexible UK travel options. The company is currently developing a new purpose-built dealership on Adwick Lane to expand its facilities and support growing demand across South Yorkshire and beyond.
The company said the new site will provide additional space for caravans and motorhomes along with improved customer facilities, and will allow it to respond to growing demand from customers across South Yorkshire and beyond while maintaining the personal service of a family-run business.
William Lee, Managing Director at Adwick Caravans, said: "Many holidaymakers are looking for ways to enjoy time away while keeping control over their spending. Touring holidays allow people to choose where they travel, how long they stay and how they plan their trips."
The continued popularity of UK touring holidays reflects the wider contribution of the caravan and camping sector. According to the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance's Economic Impact Report 2024, UK holiday parks and campsites generated £12.2 billion in visitor expenditure and contributed £7.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA). The sector also supported 226,745 jobs and accounted for 5% of the tourism sector's GDP.
The report also found that visitors to UK holiday parks and campsites stayed up to 82% longer and spent up to 12% more than the national tourism average, highlighting the wider role of domestic tourism.
With travel costs continuing to influence household decisions, touring holidays remain one option for those looking for flexible UK breaks. The ability to choose destinations, accommodation and travel arrangements gives holidaymakers more control over how they plan their trips.