Although extreme heatwaves may still occur in May and June, students are generally expected to return to school by late August or early September. Ending the academic year in late June could help reduce disruption caused by high temperatures during the hottest weeks of summer.
August has also been hot and dry, leading some parents to argue that an earlier summer holiday would better reflect the UK’s traditionally warm and dry mid-summer weather. Rebecca Martin said she planned to spend more time outdoors on a UK staycation rather than travel to parts of Europe, where temperatures are becoming “even hotter and more uncomfortable”. “We want to make the most of July, which is definitely going to feel like summer,” she said.
Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing at roughly twice the global average. As in the UK, European heatwaves are becoming hotter, more frequent and longer-lasting.
UK staycations could become even more popular as temperatures rise. Mintel research from 2024 found that more than half of UK holidaymakers would consider taking a domestic holiday instead of travelling abroad for climate-related reasons. Around 28% said rising temperatures in the UK made them more likely to choose a holiday at home.
It remains unclear how changes to the school summer holidays would affect travel prices. Bringing the holiday period closer to Scotland’s schedule and the calendars of other countries could increase demand for UK breaks in late June and July, potentially shifting traditional peak prices earlier in the year.
Changing travel habits could also influence prices, particularly if more holidaymakers avoid peak summer heat and extreme temperatures in southern Europe.
A national survey by InsureandGo found that more than seven in 10 UK holidaymakers believed destinations including Spain, Greece and Turkey could become too hot to visit during the summer.
Travel journalist Simon Calder said: “Significant changes in holiday habits could increase the cost of domestic travel.
“If more people choose UK staycations, while international visitors are also attracted by the country’s milder climate, increased demand could push prices higher. However, there will always be destinations where travellers can find a reasonable deal.”
Source: www.bbc.co.uk