How We Are Holidaying Now: The Travel Trends You Need to Know
The way we travel is undergoing a massive shift. While the classic two-week beach escape will always hold a special place in our hearts, UK travellers are becoming far more intentional with their annual leave. With busy work schedules and a desire for genuine value, we are no longer just looking for a flight and a hotel; we want holidays that feel personal, seamless, and deeply rewarding.
If you are currently planning your next getaway and looking for a bit of inspiration, here are the major travel trends redefining how we explore the world right now.
1. The Multi-Destination "Hop"
Why limit yourself to just one location when you can experience three? One of the fastest-growing trends for UK holidaymakers is the multi-destination break. Instead of booking a single resort for a week, travellers are opting for dynamic, fast-paced itineraries that combine cities, coastlines, and countryside in one fell swoop.
Think flying into Athens for a dose of ancient history, catching a ferry to a quiet Cycladic island for beach time, and finishing with a stay in Naxos. This trend allows you to maximise your time away, ensuring every single day of annual leave feels like an entirely new adventure.
2. The "Destination Dupe" (Swapping the Crowds)
Overtourism and sky-high seasonal pricing in primary global hotspots have given rise to the "Destination Dupe". Savvy travellers are actively swapping famous, overcrowded locations for lesser-known alternatives that offer the exact same glamour, architecture, or charm—for a fraction of the stress.
Instead of fighting the overwhelming summer crowds, cruise-ship bottlenecks, and steep prices of Dubrovnik, holidaymakers are heading across the border to Kotor in Montenegro. Kotor offers the same dramatic Adriatic coastline, terracotta-roofed medieval old towns, and jaw-dropping mountain views, but with a much more authentic, relaxed, and budget-friendly vibe.
3. The "Coolcation" Shift
With southern European summers becoming intensely hot, smart travellers are intentionally shifting their timing and destinations to avoid peak holiday burnout. Known as "coolcationing," this trend involves trading the blistering 40°C heatwaves for destinations with fresher, more stable climates.
Regions like Scandinavia, the dramatic coastlines of Scotland, and the breezy northern coast of Spain are seeing a huge surge in popularity. Travelling to places with comfortable mid-20s temperatures means you can actually walk through a city, explore historical ruins, and sit on a beach comfortably without melting.
Let Me Curate Your Next Trend-Setting Holiday
While multi-destination hops and finding hidden "dupe" destinations sound incredible, coordinating can be tricky. Tracking down the right boutique hotels, figuring out local ferry schedules, and ensuring your transit plans connect seamlessly takes hours of stressful research.
Whether you want to map out a seamless, multi-stop Explorer Escape through Europe or build a completely bespoke, large-scale Grand Voyage for the whole family, I custom-build every detail around your personal style and budget.
