Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for touring holiday over flights abroad in 2026
Survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers commissioned by Scotland's largest touring and holiday home show reveals shift in UK's holiday of choice.
Article Source: The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show
Last Updated: 16 January 2026 11:50
Image Credit: Peter Devlin
Over half of British holidaymakers are likely to choose a motorhome, caravan or holiday home break this year over flights to a holiday abroad with concerns over airport chaos cited as the main reason for the change, according to a survey of 2,000 travellers commissioned by The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show.
While holidays abroad are still popular with people throughout the UK, airport and flight issues came top of the list of things which annoy holidaymakers. 48% of those surveyed said their biggest bugbear with abroad holidays is flight delays, 24% complained about the potential of lost luggage and 19% were frustrated by baggage limits – some respondents also specified queues at airports, airport parking charges and leg-room as their biggest peeves.
Over half of those surveyed (57%) stated the biggest benefit of touring holidays (defined as a break via motorhome, caravan, static-caravan and holiday home in the UK and abroad) is the unmatched freedom to move around with 66% saying that no other type of holiday allowed for the same spontaneity to get up and go.
Flexibility was consistently considered a highly rated feature of touring holidays, reflected in 27% of people highlighting the freedom to explore both abroad and the UK as the best thing about these types of holidays.
Cost-effectiveness remains one of the most important factors for people when considering a holiday of any kind. 54% of Brits ranked this as a key element in their decision-making process as the cost-of-living continues to increase.
The research, carried out by market research specialists, Obsurvant and commissioned by Scotland’s leading travel and leisure event, The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show, reflects the show’s ongoing role as a trusted authority on consumer trends and touring preferences across the UK. The show returns to the SEC Glasgow from 5-8 February 2026 and will feature up to 200 exhibitors representing decades of collective expertise including manufacturers, brands and trade associations.
Jillyanne Lamarra, Show Manager of Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show, said: “The results from the survey have been really interesting, however, are probably not surprising to anyone who has opted for a touring holiday in the past. Flexible touring holidays have something for everyone, allow for more freedom of choice, not just in where you go, but when and how you travel.
“The sheer scale of exhibitors from vehicles, to travel accessories and destination providers at the show is testament to the endless options people have when they choose a touring holiday over bracing the potential issues which flying so often presents. I’m looking forward to seeing more people than ever embracing the flexibility and adventure which these holidays provide.”
When it comes to touring holidays, surveyed people put flexibility, adventure and access to home comforts at the top of their list of favourite aspects: 61% said that what makes these holidays so special is that they can take their pets with them, the highest ranking ‘best thing about a touring holiday’ was voted as it feeling like an adventure (34%), closely followed by 30% of people stating that being able to pick where they wake up each morning as one of their top reasons.
Running over four days, the show attracts thousands of seasoned tourers and first-time buyers from across Scotland and England. Alongside showcasing the latest motorhomes, caravans, campervans, holiday homes, e-bikes and outdoor accessories, it offers expert insight, hands-on advice and a standout day out for the whole family, with free entry for under-16s, a Kids’ Zone and a Farmers’ Market.
Tickets are available now at The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show: www.scottishmotorhomeandcaravanshow.com
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