The total number of short breaks taken by UK residents fell by 5.4% from 2013 to 2014. Expenditure fell by 2%. Although there was an increase of 13% in the overseas market volume, the domestic segment fell by 8%. As the domestic segment accounts for 85% of the total short break market volume, it had a substantial effect on the wider market.

The outlook for the short break market is promising; overall, consumers are planning to take more short breaks than longer holidays in the next 12 months. The top three most popular overseas destinations for short breaks remain France, Spain, and the Netherlands, all of which saw growth. Holidaymakers’ choice of destination is primarily influenced by the ability to relax, value for money, climate, and a ‘sense of the unknown’. While on their short break, consumers rate relaxing in the countryside, a historical tour, and a museum/gallery tour as their preferred activities from a list of activities listed in Mintel’s questionnaire.

This report examines short breaks taken by UK residents, both within the UK and overseas. For this report, the term ‘short break’ is taken to mean a pure leisure holiday of between one and three nights. It also forecasts how the market will perform over the next five years. It explores the challenges and opportunities that operators will face in 2014/15, investigates the core drivers behind changes in the market and highlights some key innovations. The report examines short break versus long holiday preferences, destination, type of short break, booking methods, research before and while on holiday, short break decision influences, and finally, the most appealing activities while on short-breaks.