Newcastle ranks as road trip hotspot with 25% surge in online searches
New data has found that Newcastle saw a 25% rise in road trip searches in 2024.
Recent data reveals people take an average of 3.94 holidays a year and with searches for “Road trip” experiencing a 5000% surge in the past month, its clear travellers are rekindling their love for the open road.
With this in mind, it has been revealed that residents in Newcastle are eager to experience a road trip, as the area sees a 24.6% rise in searches.
New search engines analysis by experts at Choose Leisure has revealed the area has seen the third biggest rise in people searching for road trips and related key terms.
In 2023, the terms were only searched an average of 2,070 times a month, but this rocketed to 2,580 in 2024 – that’s a 24.6% surge!
Chichester ranked as the overall hotspot for wanting a road trip the most with a 34.2% jump, and Kingston-Upon-Hull placed second with a 33% increase.
Nationally, England saw the largest hike across the board with a 9.2% uplift in searches, compared to the rest of the UK.
Wales and Scotland followed closely with a 6.7% and 6.4% increase in interest, whilst Northern Ireland only jumped by 0.5% in total.
Donna Bicker from Choose Leisure, who conducted the research said: "It’s exciting to witness the growing enthusiasm for road trips across the UK. As more people embrace the freedom and adventure they offer, this trend underscores the appeal of road travel as a flexible, accessible, and scenic way to explore.
“Keeping these important considerations in mind can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey:"
Vehicle Health Check: “It is crucial to make sure your car is in a good working condition. Things like tyre pressure, oil levels and brake function will affect how well your car handles the road and can avoid breakdowns or even accidents.”
Be Emergency-ready: “Stocking the car with emergency equipment such as jumper cables, a spare tyre and a medic kit could be the difference between a minor or major problem. Being able to resolve potential challenges can save time, money and stress.”
Planning your route: “Prepare for detours, road closures or traffic delays by knowing the route you will take ahead of time, utilising navigation devices can help prevent this from happening.”
Budgeting correctly: “Calculate the costs for fuel, food and entertainment before setting off, and whilst it is easy to use your card to pay, always remember to bring cash for tolls and areas that could be cash-only.”
Share the wheel: “If you are travelling with others who can drive, ensure you rotate driving responsibilities to avoid fatigue and boredom. If you’re solo travelling, then make sure to set regular rest breaks to refresh and remain alert.”