Brits Prioritize Holidays Amid Economic Uncertainty

Despite the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty, the UK population continues to prioritize holidays, viewing them as an essential expenditure. The average Brit takes nearly four breaks a year.

According to an analysis by CBRE, rising living costs and economic uncertainty have not dampened the holiday spirit of the UK population. An impressive 84% of Brits prefer to take a holiday each year, with the annual holiday count per person reaching a record high of 3.94.

These findings are part of a 2025 Consumer Survey, conducted amidst concerns over inflation and increased regular outgoings experienced by 70% of respondents in 2024. Despite financial constraints, around 35% of UK citizens plan to use their savings to fund their holiday trips.

Domestic holidays taken in 2024 and domestic holidays planned in 2025

Holidays are an essential expenditure for 96% of Brits, with the average cost being £3,051.90. Furthermore, 35% of people plan to increase their holiday spending this year.

Regarding holiday preferences, beach vacations, city breaks, and countryside breaks top the list. Domestic holidays are favored over trips abroad, except in cases of cruises and resorts. Mid-range and budget hotels are the preferred accommodation options for domestic holidays, with camping or holiday parks following closely. The South West remains the most popular domestic destination in the UK, accounting for 18% of trips in 2024, followed by London (13%) and Scotland (12%).

An EasyJet survey discloses that 80% of Brits are keen to explore new countries this year, with Spain, France, and Greece being the most visited holiday destinations. The average duration of holidays abroad is 8.7 days, with a preference for all-inclusive hotel complexes and cruises.

The importance of time off is widely recognized, with numerous studies linking frequent vacations to reduced psychological distress. Despite this, approximately 60% of Brits cite high workloads as a primary deterrent from taking full advantage of their leave.

In the age of digital connectivity, social media has emerged as a significant influencer in travel decisions. About 75% of people are inspired by social media to visit specific destinations. This trend is particularly prevalent among younger generations, with nearly half of Gen-Z and Millennial respondents being inspired to travel to a destination due to Instagram, and 30% due to TikTok.

In conclusion, the UK populace continues to prioritize holidays despite the increased cost of living and financial constraints. The emphasis on holidays is driven by a growing awareness of the importance of a healthy work-life balance and the desire to relax and disconnect from work-related stress. This trend is expected to persist, with Brits prioritizing their holidays in the foreseeable future.