Can you spot the differences? These British Road Trips Are The Perfect European Lookalikes
Trade the hot geysers of Iceland for the Northern Lights in the Scottish Highlands and swap the mountainous scenery of Bavaria for the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.
A new study by Tyreshopper reveals that one-third (30.2%) of UK travelers would be less likely to holiday in the EU following changes to traveling abroad (such as visa requirements and international driving permits) post-Brexit.
European holidays have been popular with UK holidaymakers for generations but as uncertainty about post-Brexit EU travel requirements grows, research shows that many people might be looking to forego an EU holiday altogether. Since the Brexit referendum in 2016, Brits have become less likely to go abroad for holidays, with 1.1 million fewer trips overseas from UK residents in 2018 than in 2017. UK Google Trends data shows that interest in ‘staycations’ has also risen by 116% during this time.
As one-third of Brits are now starting to consider non-EU options for their holidays in the lead up to Brexit, a road trip guide released by Tyre Shopper reveals the 8 best European road trips and their UK equivalent.
Bavarian Romantic Road vs. Cotswolds Romantic Road
These two historic road trip routes cover the rural idylls of Germany and England. Post-Brexit, you might consider trading the dramatic background of the German Alps for the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, swap gothic Bavarian castles for a good old English stately home, and say goodbye to a giant bratwurst, enjoying a dainty cream tea instead.
It will take you approximately six hours in total to complete the length of the Bavarian Romantic Road, whilst the Cotswolds equivalent takes just two. See more about this road trip here.
Portugal's Atlantic Coast vs. South England's Jurassic Coast
Although you may not automatically think of England when you come to plan your next beach holiday, the South of the country has some spectacular beaches that are accompanied by quaint fishing villages and beautiful coastal paths. Trade the hot weather of Portugal in high season for the slightly cooler English coast, where you can enjoy the world-famous surf as well as the natural history of the region just as much as if you were abroad.
It takes around eleven hours in total to complete the length of Portugal’s Atlantic Coast, whilst the Jurassic Coast takes four hours. See more about this road trip here.
Icelandic Ring Road vs. Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye
Visitors to Iceland return with incredible stories of lakes and fjords, mountains, and the Northern Lights. But what if we reminded you that you can see all this and more in the Highlands of Scotland?
Lush green countryside, craggy mountainsides and stunning beaches combine to make the Highlands a wonderful holiday. However, this isn’t the only place that the similarity lies. At some points in the year, even the climate in Scotland and Iceland can be similar. Travel between April to October to experience less harsh weather but, if snow is what you’re after, head straight to Cairngorm Mountain between late November and early May for its brilliant ski slopes.
The Icelandic Ring Road takes 25 hours to drive down, whilst the Scottish Highlands take 12 hours. See more about this road trip here.
Champagne Wine Tour vs. South East England Wine Tour
Although certain regions on the continent are known for their grapes, you may be surprised to learn that Britain has its own ‘wine country’ that spans Kent and Sussex. Instead of journeying to France to sample the delights of the grapevine, simply head south. This makes for an incredibly relaxing holiday for wine lovers – stopping off at vineyards, wineries, and restaurants along the way to ensure you make the most of a holiday in the rolling hills of the English countryside.
The Champagne Wine Tour will take you five hours to complete, whilst the South East England equivalent takes four. See more about this road trip here.
Italian Lakes vs. Lake District
The Italian lakes are famous for their elegant resorts, excellent food scene, and beautiful walks through the surrounding mountains. Although perhaps not quite as elegant, the Lake District can offer much of the same. Next summer, trade a luxury resort at Lake Como for a B&B at Lake Windermere, and enjoy walks through the stunning countryside of the Lake District, as well as water sports and historical trails.
The Italian lakes take around 10 hours to drive around, whilst the Lake District takes three hours. See more about this road trip here.
Tuscany Road Trip vs. Yorkshire Dales Road Trip
Tuscany is well famed for being one of the most romantic destinations on the planet. The combination of excellent Italian food and hospitality as well as the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside mean that it’s on a lot of people’s bucket list.
But back to the UK, where the British alternative is often described as God’s Own Country. It’s the beautiful land of Yorkshire, where friendly people, inspiring landscapes, and charming old pubs make for one of the best holiday destinations in the country, and one of the least appreciated.
The Tuscan route and its Yorkshire counterpart are similar in distance, with the former taking six hours to complete and the latter seven hours. See more about this road trip here.
Romanian Transfagarasan Highway vs. Winding Hills in the South West of England
The Transfagarasan Highway is one of the world’s most breath-taking roads but remains one of its most dangerous. In comparison, the Mendips and Exmoor are much tamer, both in scale and level of danger. Trade Count Dracula for The Hound of the Baskervilles and enjoy a road trip through the South West of England instead.
The Romanian Transfagarasan Highway takes around six hours to complete, whilst The Mendips and Exmoor Road Trip takes four hours. See more about this road trip here.
Slovenian Forests & Lakes Road Trip vs. Welsh Forests and Lakes Road Trip
Slovenia is a stunning country bordering Croatia and Italy on the Adriatic coast, boasting good weather, interesting cities, and stunning forests and lakes.
In Wales, what you might lack in good weather is made up for by the diverse countryside and the beautiful beaches and villages. Walk or mountain bike through Snowdonia before relaxing on a beautiful beach in Anglesey in this replacement road trip swapping Slovenian forests and lakes for more of the same in Wales.
The Welsh road trip takes an hour longer than the Slovenian excursion, taking nine hours compared to latter which takes eight. See more about this road trip here.
Staycations offer great value for money and fantastic experiences for the traveller, as well as fantastic environmental and economic benefits for local communities in the UK. More and more travellers are predicted to trade their European road trips for British road trips in the future.
