It may be unusually and, no doubt, temporarily hot outside, but many Brits are still choosing to travel to warmer climes for their summer holidays, in spite of the cost of living crisis.
The term ‘Brat summer’ was coined by singer Charli XCX for 2024’s summer vibe, and a new survey reveals that Spain is by far the number one holiday destination for Brits hoping for more guaranteed sun.
Hoping for a ‘Brat summer’ over a flat summer, the survey of 2,002 adults, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of HSBC UK, names Greece and Italy as second and third places respectively.
The top five holiday destinations for UK travellers are:
- Spain: according to 28% of UK respondents
- Greece: 17%
- Italy: 16%
- France: 14%
- Portugal: 13%
The same survey reveals package holidays are still the most popular choice for UK tourists, with 35% favouring this option. This trend holds steady across almost all age groups, apart from 36% of 25-34 year-olds and 47% of parents who travel with their children who say they prefer city breaks.
People are covering up their holiday spending habits from their partners
Brits are more likely to tell their friends (47%) rather than their partner (38%) how much they’ve spent whilst on holiday.
Some of this could come from embarrassment at getting stung by hidden fees.
“We all like to splash out on holiday but splurge regret can cast a shadow over the whole experience,” Pella Frost, HSBC UK’s Head of Everyday Banking, said.
“Over a third of holidaymakers get caught out by unexpected fees making a holiday splurge that little bit more costly.”
31% of Brits admitted to encountering unexpected fees, such as currency conversion fees and credit card fees, on their holidays. Gen Z travellers (16-24-year-olds) were the most likely to be caught out by these unexpected expenses, with 52% facing such fees. In contrast, only 15% of those aged 55 and over reported similar experiences.
Discretion is also important to a third of Brits, with 34% not discussing their holiday spending, as they don’t like to talk about their finances.
What Brits spend their holiday money on
The typical British traveller spends an extra £250 on “extras” during a week-long break compared to their usual at-home expenses: not cheap during a cost of living crisis, and the stress of such nasty surprises can detract from the planned relaxation.
Extras could include dining out, attending live events, shopping for clothes, and transportation. To keep costs down, some opt for Airbnbs with fully equipped kitchens instead of hotels, so they can dine in for some meals to save money.
Memorabilia from iconic landmarks (27%) and local handicrafts/artwork (24%) take the lead as the most popular souvenirs.
Here’s what souvenirs Brits are most likely to buy when abroad:
Memorabilia from iconic landmarks (27%)
Local handicrafts or artwork (24%)
Speciality foods or beverages (20%)
Postcards or stamps (17%)
Traditional clothing and accessories (16%)
Unique vintage items from flea markets or street vendors (16%)
How Brits are affording their holidays right now
The average Brit spends eight months saving for a holiday, with parents facing a longer ten-month savings period.
The survey found the overall cost of a family holiday abroad is the most important deciding factor for 54% of parents who travel with their children, followed by a sunny/warm climate (51%) and 44% of parents consider the price of their holiday accommodation.
Not everything is planned though: 36% of UK respondents have taken an impromptu day trip to a nearby town or attraction, with this trend most popular among those aged 55 and over (41%).
