The landscape of British holidays is undergoing a significant transformation as travellers increasingly opt for sustainable and flexible travel options. According to recent data from RoadSmiles.com, the independent travel comparison platform, the UK is experiencing substantial double-digit growth in eco-friendly campervan bookings.
The Drive Towards Sustainable Staycations
This surge reflects a fundamental shift in holiday priorities among British travellers, who are now placing greater emphasis on sustainability and flexibility. The appeal lies in low-emission, self-contained travel that allows exploration of the countryside while maintaining comfort and independence. This trend forms part of a broader market movement documented by VisitBritain, which reports the domestic caravanning and campervan rental sector has expanded by 25% over the past five years, with campervan rentals expected to lead future growth.
At the core of this change is a growing preference for flight-free travel with minimal environmental impact. Multiple factors are driving this shift, including increasing climate concerns, rising flight costs, and the attraction of flexible staycation options. Campervan hire effectively eliminates the need for air travel, reduces dependence on energy-intensive accommodation, and offers an affordable, lower-emission method to experience Britain's diverse landscapes.
Changing Travel Mindsets
Eamonn Turley, founder of Road Smiles and DiscoverMPVs, observes: "More travellers are realising they don't need to board a plane to enjoy an incredible holiday. A campervan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace while keeping costs down. It turns a simple staycation into a flexible, memorable adventure, without the environmental impact or expense of flying."
The company's research also indicates that modern travellers are seeking more authentic and meaningful holiday experiences. Road-based tourism naturally facilitates deeper engagement with local communities, independent businesses, and natural environments. Consequently, longer routes through rural areas, national parks, and coastal landscapes are becoming integral to the campervan experience.
Industry Response and Future Developments
In response to this growing demand, campervan providers like RoadSmiles are beginning to introduce hybrid and electric-powered models to their fleets. The platform has announced plans to expand its partner network throughout 2026, offering travellers a broader selection of lower-cost and lower-emission vehicles. Their smart comparison tools, which cover vehicle size, onboard features, and pet-friendly options, continue to make the platform a trusted resource for UK holidaymakers.
Beyond domestic travel, RoadSmiles' sister brand DiscoverMPVs offers international 7 and 9 seater passenger van rentals across Europe, North America, and Asia. Together, these platforms provide comprehensive travel solutions: sustainable UK campervan holidays through RoadSmiles, and reliable MPV hire for families, groups, and business travellers worldwide.
Eamonn Turley, CEO of Multiquotetime, adds: "RoadSmiles was already an established platform, but now we're moving faster, scaling deliberately and focused on offering even better experiences for UK travellers." This commitment to growth and improvement signals continued evolution in the sustainable travel sector, responding directly to Britain's changing holiday preferences.
