With rising costs and a growing desire for presence over prestige, more travellers are staying close—and finding magic just a few hours from home.
In a year shaped by cautious optimism and tighter budgets, a quiet shift is underway in how people travel. Gone are the months-long countdowns and over-planned itineraries. Instead, a new kind of traveller is emerging—one who books later, stays closer, and finds joy in the spontaneity of a well-timed local escape. This is the era of short-haul travel. Think countryside cottages, small-town surprises, or oceanside Airbnbs just a drive or train ride away. No passports. No pressure. Just the pleasure of going somewhere—now.
Why “Later, Closer, Shorter” Travel Is on the Rise
Across Canada, the U.K., and parts of the U.S., 2025 has seen a significant uptick in spontaneous domestic bookings. According to travel data platform Sojern, last-minute reservations are up 18% year-over-year, with regional destinations seeing the biggest growth.
Factors driving this trend include:
- Inflation and cost of living concerns
- Climate awareness and reduced flight emissions
- Increased flexibility from remote work
- Burnout from overplanning post-pandemic “revenge travel”
What used to be considered a staycation is now being redefined as a legitimate and luxurious form of mindful exploration.
What Makes a Short-Haul Escape Work
The best short-haul getaways aren’t about packing in activities. They’re about intentional unravelling—rest, curiosity, and simplicity.
Look for:
- Locations within 3 hours of your home base (by car, train, or ferry)
- Accommodation with a distinct sense of place—heritage inns, design-forward B&Bs, boutique eco-hotels
- Walkability and slow-paced exploration—think small museums, farmers markets, nature trails, or local arts scenes
- Access to nature without roughing it—beaches, vineyards, marshes, or forest parks
Real-Life Inspirations
From Toronto: Prince Edward County
Wine country charm meets artist enclave energy. Stay in Wellington or Bloomfield for antique shops, farm-to-table meals, and beach walks at Sandbanks.
From London: Rye or the Cotswolds
Cobblestone lanes, independent bookstores, and thatched roofs straight from a storybook. Perfect for wandering with no agenda.
From Vancouver: Salt Spring Island
Reachable by ferry, this Gulf Island blends forest hikes, organic bakeries, and community spirit.
From New York City: The Catskills or Hudson
Mountains, mid-century cabins, and creative retreats. A haven for low-key artists and high-functioning introverts.
From Montreal: Eastern Townships
Bistros, spas, and Quebecois hospitality in a setting that feels both rustic and refined.
Why It Feels So Good
Spontaneous travel eliminates the anxiety of anticipation. There’s no pressure to “make the most” of every minute. You simply go—and see what happens.
And because you’re not crossing time zones or navigating jet lag, you arrive present. You pay attention. You walk instead of race. You notice the way the light shifts through a small-town window or the way a local bakery greets its regulars.
It’s not a lesser experience—it’s just a quieter one.
Sustainable by Design
Short-haul travel often means:
- Fewer carbon emissions (especially if travelling by train or electric car)
- More direct economic impact on small towns and rural areas
- Less overtourism in high-volume international cities
- Greater opportunity to connect with community-run businesses
It allows you to be a traveller without being a tourist.
The Takeaway
You don’t have to cross oceans to find newness. Sometimes, it’s a two-hour drive away, waiting at a roadside fruit stand, a lakeside cabin, or a corner café in a town you’ve only ever passed through. Short-haul escapes remind us that travel is not about how far you go—but how deeply you feel while you’re there.
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet. Safe and mindful travels!
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