Staycations move closer to home as motorists rethink summer travel amid rising fuel costs

• Brits are embracing 'hometown-maxxing' this summer - taking staycations closer to home compared to last year

• Two thirds highlight fuel costs as the reason for this - with the average staycation now just 85 miles from home

• A quarter have swapped an overseas trip for a UK break this year, while one in five will holiday just a few miles from where they live to keep travel costs down.

• Halfords is helping motorists make the most of local adventures with everything they need for touring and staycations – from roof boxes and bike racks to camping equipment and travel essentials.

LONDON, 16th July:  A third of Brits will be taking a staycation closer to home this year, with nearly two-thirds (62%) citing fuel costs as the reason. Holidaymakers are expected to travel just 85 miles on average for their break, while a quarter (25%) of those planning a holiday have swapped an overseas trip for a UK staycation because of rising air fares.

The study of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by Halfords, reveals that millions of holidaymakers are embracing 'hometown-maxxing' – the trend of taking staycations near their hometown to save on fuel while discovering local attractions and hidden gems instead of travelling further afield.

One in five (21%) will opt for holidays closer to home this year compared to last year – a significant shift towards shorter, more local escapes.

Despite staying closer to home, Brits are still embracing classic summer getaways. A third (33%) are planning a seaside escape, while 27% are heading for a countryside camping trip and 23% are opting for day trips from home.

The research also found that many households are making further compromises to keep holiday costs under control. Around a third (32%) have reduced the length of their trip, while the same number expect to cut back on activities, meals out and other holiday spending once they're away.

However, there is an upside to staying local.

More than a third (35%) believe a holiday closer to home will be less stressful, while 31% appreciate the added flexibility of being able to change plans at short notice.

Nearly two-thirds (65%) still believe a nearby staycation feels like a "proper" holiday, proving that memorable summer experiences don't have to involve travelling hundreds of miles.

While the appetite for UK breaks remains strong, many travellers admit they're not yet fully prepared. Nearly seven in 10 (69%) say they don't currently own essentials such as roof bars or roof boxes, while 59% need camping equipment like tents and almost a quarter (23%) require folding chairs.

One in five (20%) expect to buy new equipment specifically for their UK holiday, with camping stoves (30%), sleeping bags (23%) and cool boxes (23%) among the most sought-after items.

David Howells, Halfords Camping and Travel Expert, commented:

"Summer holidays don't always have to involve a week-long stay or a flight abroad, but this year we're seeing a real shift towards people rediscovering what's right on their doorstep.

"With travel costs front of mind, many families are rethinking what a summer break looks like and embracing the charm, convenience and value of staying closer to home."

"People are clearly making more considered choices this summer, whether that's spending less time away or cutting back on extras once they arrive.

"The positive is that staying closer to home gives people the freedom to be more spontaneous, explore places they may never have visited before and fit breaks more easily around everyday life. A UK getaway can still provide that all-important sense of escape without the cost and hassle of travelling further afield."

Whether it's a family camping adventure, a coastal road trip or simply making the most of weekends away, Halfords has everything motorists need to get holiday-ready.

From roof bars and roof boxes to bike racks, camping equipment, cool boxes, car checks and travel essentials, Halfords is the one-stop shop for touring and staycation needs, helping customers travel with confidence wherever the summer takes them.

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Notes to Editors

For media enquiries, product samples, or imagery, please contact: Halfords Press Office: halfords@vccproar.com

About Halfords

Halfords is the UK's leading provider of motoring and cycling products and services. Customers shop at 404 Halfords stores, 3 Performance Cycling stores (trading as Tredz and Giant), 604 garages (trading as Halfords Autocentres, McConechy's and National) and have access to more than 200 mobile service vans. Customers can also shop at halfords.com and tredz.co.uk for pick up at their local store or direct home delivery, as well as booking garage services online at halfords.com.