It’s time to dust off your car and get ready for an epic adventure! This August bank holiday, Britain is set to experience the busiest getaway on the roads in almost a decade. Imagine the excitement, the anticipation, and…the potential for some serious traffic jams!
Road Trip Fever: Buckle Up, It’s Going to Be a Wild Ride
Get ready for the ultimate road trip frenzy! With an estimated 19.2 million leisure journeys by car expected over the weekend, it’s going to be a traffic-packed extravaganza. The RAC, a renowned breakdown services company, predicts the highest level of road traffic since they began recording data in 2015. So, buckle up, pack your patience, and prepare for some potentially lengthy drives.
Saturday Surge: Expect the Unexpected
Saturday, August 24th, is predicted to be the most chaotic day on the roads, with a whopping 3.7 million getaway trips planned. The rest of the weekend is expected to see around 3 million trips each day, with an additional 6.2 million trips planned throughout the late summer bank holiday weekend.
Plan Ahead: Don’t Be Caught in a Traffic Jam
Don’t let the excitement of the trip turn into a stressful traffic nightmare. The RAC advises travelers to plan ahead, leave early, and be prepared for possible delays.
Overseas Visitors: Spending Less, But Still Coming
While the roads are buzzing with Brits seeking adventure, the number of overseas visitors to the UK is expected to remain 5% below pre-pandemic levels. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) reports 38.7 million overseas visitors expected this year, an increase from the 38 million in 2022, but still shy of the pre-pandemic figures.
The Tourists’ Dilemma: Post-Brexit Blues and Inflation Bites
The CEBR found that while overseas visitors are coming back, they’re spending less per capita, when inflation is considered. The combination of post-Brexit travel barriers, the removal of tax-free shopping for tourists, and concerns about recent unrest in certain areas are contributing to this shift in spending patterns. The UK is also facing a cost of living crisis, leading to higher prices for accommodation, dining, and airfares, which also impacts tourist spending.
Port of Dover: Expect Delays, But Don’t Worry, You’ll Get There
The Port of Dover, a crucial gateway for travelers, anticipates a bustling bank holiday weekend, with over 20,000 cars expected to pass through. However, ongoing construction works for a new EU entry and exit system have reduced capacity in pre-border processing areas, potentially leading to longer waiting times. But don’t worry, the Port of Dover assures travelers that everyone will get on the next available sailing.
Get Ready for a Memorable Bank Holiday
This August bank holiday promises to be a whirlwind of road trip adventures. While traffic jams may be inevitable, the excitement of getting back on the road with friends and family makes it all worthwhile. Just remember to plan ahead, pack your patience, and be prepared for a memorable and potentially chaotic weekend!
