Is the Great British Summer Holiday Becoming Too Expensive?

Ever looked at the cost of your summer holiday and wondered whether you need to remortgage the house to pay for it? You’re certainly not alone!

From rising travel costs to changing holiday habits, are British families having to rethink their annual getaway?

For many of us, the summer holiday is something we look forward to all year. Whether it’s two weeks in the Mediterranean, a family trip to Florida or a few peaceful days on the British coast, getting away from everyday life is one of life’s great pleasures.

But there’s a question increasingly creeping into the conversation: just how expensive has going on holiday become?

Flights, hotels, meals, airport parking and even a few ice creams on the beach can quickly add up. And with household budgets already under pressure, the traditional family holiday can feel like a significant financial commitment.

So, is the Great British summer holiday becoming a luxury?

We’re Still Going Away — But Thinking More Carefully About the Cost

Despite financial pressures, our appetite for travel remains remarkably strong.

According to ABTA’s Holiday Habits 2026–27 report, 88% of UK adults took a holiday during the previous 12 months, while 62% travelled abroad.

However, there are signs that holidaymakers are becoming more cautious. People are increasingly focused on value for money, with some choosing to book closer to departure rather than committing months in advance.

It seems we haven’t fallen out of love with holidays. We’re simply paying more attention to what they cost.

It’s Not Just the Price of the Flight

When comparing holidays, it’s tempting to focus on the headline price. But the real cost of getting away often goes much further.

A reasonably priced flight can look considerably less attractive once you’ve added checked luggage, seat selection, airport transfers and parking.

Accommodation is another major consideration. A hotel that initially appears affordable may become significantly more expensive when breakfast, local taxes and meals are taken into account.

And then there are all those little extras: drinks by the pool, days out, taxis, excursions and the occasional souvenir.

Individually, they might not seem particularly significant. Collectively, they can make quite a difference to the final bill.

Is Staying in Britain Really Cheaper?

For years, the British staycation has been presented as the budget-friendly alternative to travelling abroad.

And sometimes it is.

Avoiding flights, passports and foreign currency can certainly help. A few days exploring the Norfolk coast, the Lake District or Cornwall can be every bit as enjoyable as an overseas break.

But UK holidays aren’t automatically inexpensive.

Popular destinations can command substantial accommodation prices during school holidays. Add restaurant meals, fuel, parking and family attractions, and a week away in Britain can become surprisingly costly.

Meanwhile, an overseas package holiday may include flights, accommodation, transfers and meals in one price.

The lesson? Compare the total cost of the holiday, not simply the advertised price.

Are Our Holiday Habits Changing?

One interesting development is the growing popularity of shorter breaks.

ABTA’s latest research found that city breaks have overtaken beach holidays as the most popular type of holiday, with 53% of respondents having taken one during the previous year.

A long weekend exploring a European city can offer a memorable experience without requiring a fortnight away from work.

Other travellers are choosing to go outside peak periods, explore less familiar destinations or reduce the number of trips they take.

Of course, families with school-age children don’t always have the flexibility to travel when prices are lower.

For them, careful planning can make an even greater difference.

Five Ways to Make Your Holiday Budget Go Further

1. Look beyond the headline price. Include baggage, transfers, insurance, meals and spending money when comparing options.
2. Be flexible where possible. Changing your departure date, airport or destination can sometimes make a substantial difference.
3. Compare packages with independent bookings. Booking everything separately isn’t always cheaper, particularly when transfers and meals are included in a package.
4. Set a realistic spending budget. Think about what you’ll actually spend while you’re away, not just what it costs to get there.
5. Plan ahead for the bigger picture. A holiday should be something to enjoy, rather than a financial headache that follows you home.

Holidays Are About More Than Money

It’s easy to become focused on the numbers, but holidays have a value that isn’t always measured in pounds and pence.

Time with family, discovering somewhere new, relaxing beside a pool or simply escaping the usual routine can create memories that last for years.

And that’s why, even when money is tighter, many people continue to prioritise getting away.

Perhaps the answer isn’t necessarily to stop taking holidays, but to think a little differently about how we plan and pay for them.

Finding the Right Balance

At Coffey Brooks, we believe good financial planning isn’t simply about saving for the distant future. It’s also about making the most of life along the way.

Whether that means enjoying a well-earned holiday, helping your children onto the property ladder or planning for retirement, the aim is to balance today’s priorities with tomorrow’s financial security.

After all, what’s the point of planning for the future if you never get to enjoy the present?

Coffey Brooks Financial Services Limited — Independent Financial Advice, Built Around You.