Summer vacation preference shift: British motorists favor road trip excursions for this year's break
British Holidaymakers Embrace UK Road Trips in 2025
According to a recent survey by Skoda, the Scottish Highlands have emerged as the most popular UK road trip destination for British holidaymakers in 2025. A staggering 42% of respondents expressed a desire to visit this picturesque region, known for its rugged landscapes and breathtaking vistas.
The survey also revealed that more than half (55%) of respondents are willing to travel more than 300 miles for a road trip, reflecting a strong preference for exploration and adventure. The Scottish Highlands, with its vast and diverse terrain, seems to perfectly fit this bill.
The appeal of a UK road trip extends beyond the Scottish Highlands. The Lake District and the Isle of Skye are also high on the list, with 40% and 35% of respondents, respectively, expressing a desire to visit. The Yorkshire Dales come in third, with 36% wanting to explore this region.
Cost savings due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, the ability to travel with pets, and the comfort and familiarity of domestic travel without international travel hassles are some of the key factors encouraging UK road trips. In fact, almost two thirds (61%) of motorists are considering a UK road trip in 2025.
To cater to this growing trend, Skoda equipped two Octavia vRS Estates with Tentbox Lite roof tents, providing potential road trip options for adventurous travellers. The company has also installed a Czech-designed EGOE box camping unit in the Octavia Estate's 640-litre boot, further enhancing its road trip capabilities.
Good weather, scenic routes, and good snacks are other important factors for a successful road trip, according to the survey. Interestingly, 37% of survey respondents explained that a road trip would allow them to incorporate seeing friends and family into the holiday.
The survey also revealed that more than half (52%) of respondents want to be more adventurous and explore places they have never experienced before. This finding suggests that the appeal of UK road trips goes beyond the destination itself, with many Britons seeking new experiences and adventures.
Seven percent of respondents said driving in excess of 1,001 miles would be acceptable to them, indicating a willingness to embark on long and epic road trips. This, coupled with the fact that more than a third (36%) of drivers would tackle more trips if they had a roof tent, suggests that the UK road trip market is set for significant growth in the coming years.
The in-car company was important to 53% of respondents, with many valuing the comfort and convenience of a reliable vehicle for their road trips. Thirteen percent of drivers expressed an interest in fitting a roof tent for their UK road trip, indicating a growing demand for this type of accommodation.
In conclusion, the survey findings highlight a strong preference for scenic, natural landscapes within the UK, with the Scottish Highlands being the most desirable destination. The affordability, flexibility, and adventurous spirit of UK road trips make them an attractive option for many British holidaymakers in 2025, with a 'staycation' being a top choice for many.
- Motorists planning road trips in 2025 are likely to choose an electric vehicle (EV), considering over half (52%) of respondents want to be more adventurous and explore new places.
- To accommodate the growing trend of UK road trips, several car brands, such as Skoda, are equipping their vehicles with camping units, like the Czech-designed EGOE box camping unit in the Octavia Estate's boot.
- SUVs, vans, and estates are popular choices for UK road trips, with 13% of drivers expressing an interest in fitting a roof tent for their trip, indicating a growing demand for this type of accommodation.
- Good lifestyle factors, such as driving comfort, reliable long-distance travel options, and friendly roadside stops, are appealing to British holidaymakers, making UK road trips an attractive alternative to international travel.
- Traveling with pets and cost savings due to the ongoing cost of living crisis are key factors encouraging UK road trips, with almost two-thirds (61%) of motorists considering a UK road trip in 2025.
- The allure of a UK road trip extends beyond the destination itself, as 37% of survey respondents explained that a road trip would allow them to incorporate seeing friends and family into their holiday.
