In the UK, domestic holidays, so-called “staycations”, are not just a convenient choice but a deeply rooted habit, as revealed by a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Camping and Caravanning Club, the UK’s largest organisation dedicated to camping. The study explored the behaviours and desires of local travellers, and the Club also created a tool to help people discover their “holiday personality” and inspire them with new experiences, offering a list of activities to try on their next trip.
The survey, which included 1,200 British travellers, found that 77% of respondents return, at least occasionally, to destinations they’ve already visited in the past. Among them, a remarkable 71% even admitted to rebooking the exact same accommodation. For 37%, the choice stems from a desire to revisit beautiful places, 31% seek to relive happy memories, and one in five want to feel “at home” even while away.
The most popular places to revisit are seaside locations (46%) and countryside escapes (37%), while camping holds a special place for 14% of holidaymakers.
Growing interest in new experiences
Yet alongside the comfort zone of familiar habits, a strong curiosity also emerges: 86% of respondents said they enjoy the opportunity to try new things while on holiday. For many, travel is a chance to discover new places (62%), grow as a person (29%), and learn new skills (23%). Moreover, 47% believe new experiences provide valuable moments to strengthen family bonds, while 15% see holidays as an opportunity to take up a new hobby.
This desire for adventure translates into concrete aspirations: road trips, immersion in nature, and visits to iconic locations featured in films and TV series. The most desired activities include wild swimming, paddleboarding, climbing, and mountain biking. Among the most dreamed-of destinations are the Scottish Highlands, Cornwall, and the Lake District, regions where nature and history blend into breathtaking landscapes. For those still uncertain about trying something new on their next holiday, key motivators include the availability of nearby activities and the possibility of gaining a new perspective on the world.
Whittington: “It’s time to discover the best of the UK”
Darren Whittington, Deputy Director General of The Camping and Caravanning Club, highlights how UK holidays are becoming increasingly central to the travel habits of British people, now accounting for 59% of all trips taken. “We’re creatures of habit when it comes to holidays, but there’s so much to see across the UK. Trying a new activity or picking up a hobby can turn a holiday into something truly unforgettable”, he says.
He concludes with a call to action: “For the 10% who don’t enjoy experimenting while on holiday, we believe that camping is the perfect base from which to immerse yourself in nature, try something new, and make this your summer of ‘why not’. Whether you’re drawn to the sea, the mountains, the woods, or anywhere in between, there’s something out there waiting to be discovered. It’s time to break out of routine and truly enjoy all the wonders and opportunities the UK has to offer”.
In Holland, the success of outdoor living is so great that it has a dedicated TV program