One in five Brits set to recharge with a 'micro-cation' this bank holiday
Almost half of Brits (49%) have embarked on a micro-cation in the last year, selecting destinations closer to home due to lower travel costs (29%) and more flexibility (25%) when travelling
Seven in 10 Brits (69%) see the micro-cation as the more cost-effective choice over an overseas family holiday
Almost half (47%) of EV drivers say owning an electric vehicle has made them more likely to take a micro-cation, with smart meter-enabled tariffs helping to cut costs even further
EV owners can go the extra mile for less, saving almost 60% compared to filling up the tank of an average family car
Smart Energy GB has teamed up with double Olympic rowing champion and EV enthusiast Helen Glover OBE to share her tips on discovering a micro-cation near you
As fuel prices climb and holiday budgets come under pressure, Brits are swapping big getaways for shorter breaks closer to home.
New research by Smart Energy GB has found that half of Brits (49%) have taken a micro-cation, a short break within 100 miles of your home for 2-4 nights, in the past year.
Three-quarters (76%) say that shorter, more localised trips have helped them uncover hidden gems they may never have visited, with one in five (20%) planning to take a micro-cation over the upcoming bank holiday weekend.
Seven in 10 Brits (69%) have opted for a shorter break as they found them to be more affordable than an overseas family holiday, with two in five Brits (44%) now taking more micro-cations than they were five years ago, compared with only 27% of Brits who are increasing their time spent abroad.
For those choosing to travel on home soil, almost half (47%) say these breaks have helped them explore more of the British countryside, while 40% have discovered new coastal towns and seaside destinations, not knowing they were just a couple of hours’ drive away.
In fact, micro-cations are now part of annual travel plans for six in 10 (58%) Brits, with 44% selecting a destination closer to their doorstep as a first-choice holiday option rather than a back-up plan.
Rather than saving for one annual getaway, 43% would prefer to spend their holiday budget on two or more short breaks throughout the year, with one in three (34%) using these savings to take more short breaks, and almost half (47%) saving these funds for a rainy day.
For electric vehicle owners, those savings could stretch even further. The study, which also surveyed more than 500 EV owners, found that almost half (47%) say owning an EV has made them more likely to take a micro-cation, with two in five (40%) citing spending less on fuel as the reason.
37% of EV owners are already using a dedicated EV tariff with a smart meter to reduce their running costs even further, with only 14% opting to use a public charging point.
Two in five EV owners (39%) say they enjoy the convenience of leaving home with a fully charged vehicle, avoiding the detour to a service station or public charge point.
With a 200-mile round trip costing £36.57 in fuel for an average family car, it costs as little as £14.92 to charge an EV on a standard electricity tariff for the same distance, a saving of 59%.
But by charging overnight using a smart meter and a dedicated EV tariff from their energy supplier, EV drivers can cut the cost of the same 200-mile journey to just £4.57 on average, leaving more money to spend on accommodation, meals out and attractions during a micro-cation.
Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB said: “With household budgets under pressure, shorter breaks closer to home offer the chance to relax, recharge and create lasting memories without travelling far and often at a lower cost.
“For EV owners, those savings can go even further. By using a smart meter to access an EV tariff that fits your needs best, you can save a significant amount on travel costs by charging during cheaper, off-peak periods.”
Double Olympic Champion and EV enthusiast, Helen Glover OBE said: “Some of our best family adventures haven't involved travelling hundreds of miles - they've been spontaneous trips that are less than a couple of hours away by car.
"Whether it's the rolling countryside of Devon, the dramatic coastline of Cornwall or the peaceful trails of Dartmoor, there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
As an EV driver, those local adventures can be more affordable, convenient and sustainable too."
Helen’s budget-friendly tips on how to make the most of a micro-cation:
Plan ahead: Pack the essentials and plenty of equipment - from a picnic to bikes or paddleboards - so you can enjoy a full day out and keep active without breaking the bank.
Swap expensive attractions for the great outdoors: Some of the best days out don't cost a thing. Skip the tourist hotspots and seek out a hidden beach, woodland walk or local beauty spot instead. One of our highlights of this summer was kayaking to a little cove near Land’s End only accessible by the sea and felt like our own little secret spot
Save before you set off: For those of you who drive an EV like me, charging at home with a smart meter can unlock access to flexible tariffs, meaning you can charge your car when electricity is cheaper, keeping travel costs down before you even leave the house.
Top 10 reasons Brits are packing for a micro-cation
Explore more of the UK (42%)
Discover places closer to home (31%)
Lower travel costs (29%)
Avoid hassle of overseas travel (25%)
More travel flexibility (25%)
Easier to organise than a longer trip (24%)
To make holiday budgets go further (20%)
Easier to fit around work (20%)
Spend more time exploring (18%)
Easier to fit around family commitments (17%)
For more information about smart meters and how they can allow EV owners access to dedicated EV tariffs and schemes, search ‘Get a smart meter’.
ENDS
Research Methodology Research conducted for Smart Energy GB by OnePoll across 2,500 UK adults, of which 593 were EV drivers, 28th-30th July 2026.
As of May 2025, the average BEV is now capable of driving for almost 300 miles on a single charge, and the maximum range available in excess of 480 miles, the latter more than twice the average distance drivers travel in a week. https://www.smmt.co.uk/brits-enjoy-greenest-ever-car-choice-with-record-two-in-five-models-available-as-battery-electric/
* See cost calculation and methodology below, from independent transport research organisation New Automotive:
Overall calculations:
- £36.57 for fuelling an average family car (with petrol)
- £14.92 to charge an EV at home on a standard tariff
- £4.57 on average to charge an EV at home with a smart meter + flexible EV tariff
Fuel
- Fuel calculated as of 17th August 2026, based on petrol consumption
- Average family car fuel economy: average 40mpg (the commonly cited range for family cars is 35–45mpg)
- UK average petrol price: 161.1p per litre (GOV.UK's most recent weekly average, 17th August 2026)
- Imperial gallon: 4.546 litres
Calculation:
200 miles ÷ 40mpg = 5 gallons
5 gallons × 4.546 litres = 22.7 litres
22.7 litres × £1.611/litre = £36.57
EV - Using tariff and efficiency variables
- The formula - Cost = (miles ÷ miles-per-kWh) × price-per-kWh
- Average EV efficiency - assumption is 3.5–4 miles/kWh
- Flexible tariff rate - dedicated EV tariffs (Intelligent Octopus Go, British Gas EV Power+, EDF GoElectric, etc.) currently sit at 7–8p per kWh overnight, versus roughly 24–26p/kWh on a standard variable tariff
Calculation:
Using 3.5 miles/kWh and an 8p/kWh off-peak rate:
200 miles ÷ 3.5 miles/kWh = 57.1 kWh needed
57.1 kWh × £0.08 = £4.57
EV - without a smart meter
- Based on standard variable electricity rate - currently 26.11p per kWh under Ofgem's price cap from July 2026
Calculation:
200 miles ÷ 3.5 miles/kWh = 57.1 kWh
57.1 kWh × £0.2611 = £14.92
About Smart Energy GB
Smart Energy GB is the independent, non-profit, government-backed organisation that helps households and small businesses across Great Britain to understand how smart meters can benefit them, their families, and the environment.
We do this by working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders including charities and voluntary organisations to reach people throughout the country, including those in vulnerable circumstances, who may otherwise miss out on the opportunity to get a smart meter.
Our campaign explains the impact that having a smart meter installed has, including helping the country to build a more reliable and affordable energy system, and how the accompanying in-home display can help you take control of your energy use and manage your household budget.