FREENOW reveals over half of Brits will spend their summer holidays in the UK
Updated: Jul 29, 2023
Over half (54%) of Brits will spend their summer holiday in UK cities and by the sea this year, according to a survey launched today by mobility super app, FREENOW. The research looks at key travel trends from summer holiday hotspots across Europe.
The research found that, although many Brits will remain in the UK, almost half (46%) will travel abroad, with 30% jetting off to Spain, 23% to Italy and 21% to Greece.
Before reaching these destinations, 83% said that taxis and minicabs are the most convenient way to travel to the airport, with public transport as the second most popular (47%). FREENOW data also reveals that, when travelling to London airports, Monday, Saturday and Sunday between 5-8 am, 11am-4pm and after 8pm are the least busy.
Summer city breaks remain popular, with over a third (36%) of Brits planning a trip to Paris, followed by Rome (33%) and Madrid (32%). While in the city, 81% of people said that cabs are the best way to get around, half will try public transport and over a quarter (27%) will explore on foot.
According to FREENOW, when arriving in these popular city destinations by air, Brits can expect to pay €55 from Charles De Gaule to get into Paris, €50 from Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci to travel into Rome city centre and €30 from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport to reach their destination in the Spanish capital, with average travel times from these airports into the city centre ranging from 30-40 minutes.
The research found that London is the fourth most popular city break among Europeans, behind Rome, Paris and Madrid. Music festivals came out as the most popular activity on summer city breaks (46%), closely followed by enjoying a rooftop bar (45%) and sunbathing in the park (38%).
Following the release of the data, Mariusz Zabrocki, UK General Manager at FREENOW said: “The data indicates that cities continue to be immensely popular among UK and other European holiday makers this summer. In addition to the traditional seaside holiday, travellers are still drawn to vibrant cities offering unique experiences, ranging from music festivals to engaging outdoor cultural events.
“Interestingly, the research also shows that people are willing to invest in transport while on holiday, with taxis emerging as the preferred mode of transport. FREENOW is delighted to be available across 150 cities and look forward to welcoming passengers from across Europe over the coming months.”
