UK Road Trip Searches to Europe Surge 10% for May

As spring blooms across Europe, British holidaymakers are increasingly turning to road trips for their May bank holiday getaways, with searches for car hires surging 10 percent year-on-year in March and early April, according to data from travel search engine KAYAK.

The trend highlights a growing appetite for adventurous, scenic drives, particularly in five European destinations showing double-digit increases in UK traveler interest: Romania with a 44 percent rise, Norway at 29 percent, Austria and Germany both at 23 percent, and France at 10 percent. This shift comes as travelers seek alternatives to traditional flights or trains during peak holiday periods, favoring the flexibility of self-driven explorations through stunning landscapes.

Adding to the appeal, average car hire prices have fallen in most of these countries compared to last year, offering potential savings for budget-conscious Brits. Decreases range from 1 percent in France to a significant 35 percent in Romania, though daily rates in Germany have ticked up by 5 percent. To assist with planning, KAYAK developed estimates using its Road Trip Calculator, factoring in a three-day rental of a medium-sized car from a...