SuperEscapes has reported a 61% year-on-year increase in searches and bookings for three-to-five-night holidays, suggesting the growing 'microcation' trend is influencing how Brits are travelling this summer.

The retailer has also reported rising demand for shorter sunshine breaks this year, while demand for seven-to-10-night stays has softened. The trend, first associated with city breaks and long weekends, is now increasingly influencing summer beach travel, with short-haul sunshine destinations seeing strong demand.

The Balearics, mainland Spain and Croatia are among the most popular destinations for shorter summer escapes, with flight times of around two to three hours from the UK making them ideal for long weekends or shorter stays without using too much annual leave.

The findings also reflect wider travel trends. ANTOR's Destination Trends Report 2025/26 identified growing demand among British travellers for better-value, short-haul beach holidays, while demand for city breaks in northern and central Europe declined, partly due to rising accommodation costs.

Rather than replacing the traditional summer holiday altogether, many travellers are choosing to spread their travel budget across two or three shorter trips throughout the year, prioritising flexibility, spontaneity and manageable costs. SuperEscapes' data also suggests travellers are increasingly booking at shorter notice, opting for destinations that offer reliable sunshine without long-haul travel.

Jason Waldron, spokesperson for SuperEscapes, said: "The idea of taking shorter, more intentional breaks isn't new, but we're seeing it play out differently this summer. Traditionally, shorter trips were mostly city breaks, whereas now people are increasingly booking beach holidays for three, four or five nights.

"For many travellers, it's about flexibility and making holidays fit around modern life. Rather than committing to one big trip, people are opting for shorter escapes that still deliver sunshine and a proper reset.