People are taking pleasure trips in the UK rather than abroad to save money.
Credit crunched Britons are going easy on their budgets and are taking "staycations" instead of vacations.
The AA has said that data from its own journey-planning service over the Bank Holiday weekend revealed increased activity for cheaper domestic trips. Overall usage of AA Route Planner rose by 11 percent over the week to Sunday, compared to the equivalent week in 2008.
This suggests that Britons chose to take a UK break over the three-day period, rather than an overseas trip for which the only journey planning needed is the trip from the traveller's home to the airport. According to the AA, the "staycation" trend will also result in busier-than-normal roads throughout the summer season - when higher numbers of people would have gone abroad in previous years.
Dave Arnold, of AA Route Planner, said: "A mix of fine weather and lingering economic clouds appears to have lured holidaymakers onto Britain's roads as growing numbers shun more exotic climes for trips at home.
"This trend looks set to continue and with forecasters tipping a hot summer it is more important than ever to plan your journey in advance to avoid hotspots and hot heads on busy summer roads.
A recent study from the Charities Aid Foundation showed that around four in five people had modified their personal financial behaviour due to the recession.
