• Trend shows vast majority of UK planning ‘bite-sized’ day trips without committing to a bigger holiday, ahead of august bank holiday
• Average family will happily drive 87 miles for a day trip this summer
• ‘Tapas Tourism’ on the up – Brits typically planning to go on 4-5 day trips this summer at £111 per outing

Trends show that Brits are planning to enjoy ‘Tapas Tourism’ this summer, as they pick and choose ‘little bits of everything’ in the form of day trips and short stays around the country instead of longer breaks. With the August bank holiday just around the corner and support from the latest Avis survey, Brits are likely to be looking for what weekend breaks or single day trips will fit the bill for tapas style tourism, as the summer comes to an end.

New research shows that the main reason for this is both ongoing uncertainty about traditional foreign holiday and UK holiday hot spots being fully booked. The research also shows that the average Brit will happily drive 87 miles for a day trip, with the vast majority (86%) planning one or more day trips across the summer – while Brits are typically planning on spending £111 on each day trip and expect to go on 4-5 day trips. Around a third of day trippers (30.4%) said they would be willing to drive up to 149 miles on one trip and with an upcoming three-day weekend, the options are endless.

To show families how they can enjoy tapas style tourism across the bank holiday, Avis have partnered with lifestyle blogger and mum-of-3, Harriet Whitehouse, who has been enjoying a summer of ‘Tapas Tourism.’ Unable to book a holiday this year due to uncertain travel restrictions, Harriet opted for a series of staycations instead, taking her family for an outdoor weekend in Wales, a day-trip to Drayton Manor Theme Park, and a visit to Gloworm Festival in Nottinghamshire.

Harriet said: “Holidaying during the current climate can be so difficult. I can’t even total up the number of holidays we have postponed and cancelled the last two summers and holidaying for two weeks in the UK can be so expensive, especially this year. Lots of little day trips and weekends away has been a better option for our family this summer – we love the idea of calling it ‘Tapas Tourists’ – as we’re experiencing little bits of different places.

The limited planning for each means we can enjoy each day trip or getaway without getting stressed from the organising. Plus, it means the children are constantly excited for what is next, as opposed to getting bored of one place. Despite the uncertainty surrounding travel right now, ‘Tapas Tourism’ has allowed us to still create precious family memories this summer.”

The great British seaside resorts still top the list as the favourite day trip destination in the UK (54.7%), followed by a visit to a national park or area of outstanding natural beauty (35.2%) and visiting family (34.5%) the third most popular reason for a day out. A visit to a Theme Park is a traditional summer day out for 19.6%, while having a leisurely day indulging in food and drink ranks highly for just over a fifth of Brits (21.4%).

While restrictions around travel (40%) and budgets (25%) due to the impact of COVID-19 are the driving force behind ‘Tapas Tourism’, for almost a quarter (23.3%) it provides a great way to explore the UK and for a fifth (19%) it’s something a bit different to try.

Nina Bell, Avis Budget Group Managing Director, Northern Europe, said: “With uncertainties around foreign travel and so many of the UK’s traditional holiday hot spots already booked up, Brits will be looking for bite-sized getaway and day trip options ahead of the final bank holiday of the summer.

“Following a year of much restriction and isolation, being able to travel around the UK this summer feels like a great freedom once more.  Packing up the car and heading out for a day trip to the seaside or family day out was very much a big part of the summer holidays in years gone by , so it’s interesting to see that we are reverting back to such traditions, though enforced by the ongoing circumstances.

“We know from our research that customers are looking for shorter term rentals, but more frequently throughout the key summer months, and it seems that we are prepared to travel significant distances in just one day to make the most of it. While day trips are not new, the idea of this ‘tapas’ approach of fitting in lots of different trips and activities to add variety could be something that we see being embraced and part of the usual summer routine in years to come too.”

The research along with real-time booking insights from Avis Car Rental highlights the desire to make the most of UK summer holiday options, despite the soaring costs for holiday homes and lack of accommodation in key destinations. With foreign travel limited, there have even been reports of ‘holiday gazumping’ in UK hotspots with desperate sun seekers offering large sums of money to accommodation owners to ‘steal’ an existing booking.

Top 10 types of day trip the nation will be taking this year:

Getting Britain moving safely and flexibly

Recognising that travel plans often change, Avis is offering a flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation/full refunds on pre-paid bookings up to 24 hours before the day the rental is due to begin, with full cash refunds paid to the customer’s bank account.

To ensure travellers feel safe, Avis has its Avis Safety Pledge, and Budget Worry-Free Promise demonstrating its relentless commitment to keeping every one of its customers and employees safe. As part of this, all cleaning and sanitising protocols have been enhanced, employees are supplied with personal protective equipment and counter shields have been installed across our network. As to guarantee customers the possibility to book and drive with the utmost confidence. The promise demonstrates Avis’ relentless commitment to keeping every one of its customers and employees safe.

Avis has also put in place measures to enable customers to pick up and drop off vehicles with minimal contact. Customers who book through the Avis app or online at avis.co.uk and those who are members of the Avis Preferred loyalty program, can manage their booking via smartphone and ensure they can speedily pick up and return their vehicle. Digital check-in allows customers to get to their rental vehicles quickly and safely. By providing information, such as their driving license details, in advance of arriving at our rental locations we are able to prepare several aspects of their rental ahead of time. This reduces unnecessary contact between our employees and customers, reduces wait times, and offers our customers a better rental experience.

For more information visit https://www.avis.co.uk/avis-coronavirus-advice. To find out further information on Avis Flexible Long-Term Rental, please visit: https://www.avis.co.uk/drive-avis/car-hire-services/long-term-car-hire