Survey Finds More Than 50% of Brits Would Rather Tour Than Fly Overseas

A recent survey, compiled for The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show, found 53% of respondents were likely to choose a touring holiday over flying abroad.

If you’re dreaming about your next getaway but the thought of airport queues, delayed flights and lost luggage makes you sigh, you’re not alone. A new survey suggests more than half of Brits are planning to ditch flying altogether this year and hit the road instead.

Research carried out for The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show found that 53% of people would choose a caravan or motorhome holiday, either in the UK or abroad, over flying overseas. The survey questioned 2,000 people, regardless of whether they were planning to attend the show, and points to a clear shift in how Brits want to travel.

So what’s driving the appeal of touring holidays? Freedom, first and foremost. Nearly six in ten respondents (57%) said the biggest benefit of a caravan or motorhome break is the ability to move around, while two-thirds (66%) said no other type of holiday offers the same sense of freedom. Flexibility also played a big role, with 27% saying they like being able to change plans on the fly.

There’s also the simple joy of adventure. Over a third (34%) said touring holidays feel more like an adventure, while 30% loved the idea of choosing a different view to wake up to each morning. And for pet owners, it’s a game-changer: 61% said being able to take their four-legged companions along was a major plus, especially as many caravan sites now welcome pets.

By comparison, flying abroad is losing its shine. Almost half of those surveyed (48%) said flight delays put them off flying, while 24% worried about lost luggage and 19% were frustrated by strict baggage limits, concerns that are far less of an issue when you’ve got your own wheels and storage space.

Money matters too. With travel costs continuing to rise, 54% of respondents said cost-effectiveness is a key factor when choosing a holiday, another area where touring holidays can offer better value and fewer surprise expenses.

Jillyanne Lamarra, show manager for The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show, says the trend is reflected in the growing interest around the event itself:

The sheer scale of exhibitors, from vehicles to travel accessories and destination providers, is testament to the endless options people have when they choose a touring holiday over bracing the potential issues which flying so often presents.”

The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show runs from 5th-8th February 2026 at the SEC, Glasgow. Alongside motorhomes, caravans and the latest accessories, visitors can enjoy expert talks, a Kids’ Zone and even a Farmers’ Market. Tickets cost £12 per adult when using our exclusive discount code SECEXPLORE, with children under 16 and essential companions admitted free.