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UK: The North of England is set to be the UK\u2019s most popular destination this year, attracting 45 per cent of travellers, ahead of the South West (41 per cent) and Scotland (38 per cent).<\/strong><\/p>\n Over one-third of Britons (37 per cent) plan to take more UK leisure trips in 2026, according to new research from AA Media.\u00a0<\/p>\n Over half (56 per cent) are opting for shorter, more frequent breaks, with additional budgets focused on \u201cbetter accommodation\u201d (63 per cent) and increased spend on dining out (50 per cent).<\/p>\n Coastal breaks remain the nation\u2019s favourite type of UK getaway (55 per cent) followed by countryside escapes (46 per cent). One in five (21 per cent) are planning a camping or caravan holiday.<\/p>\n More than nine in 10 (92 per cent) consider official quality ratings or user reviews before booking accommodation, with six in 10 taking both into account. More than half prefer to book directly through the property\u2019s own website rather than via online travel platforms.<\/p>\n Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, said: \u201cAs economic pressures continue to influence travel decisions, what\u2019s particularly encouraging is that people aren\u2019t turning their backs on travel, they are simply changing the way they do it. Rather than one or two longer holidays, many are opting for shorter, more frequent UK breaks that offer value and the opportunity to discover more of what\u2019s on their doorstep.<\/p>\n \u201cFor hospitality businesses, this presents a significant opportunity. Those that can deliver excellent value without compromising on quality will be well placed to benefit from the growing demand for UK leisure travel in 2026,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n