55% of Brits plan to travel abroad in 2025

More than half of Britons are planning an overseas holiday this year, despite the high cost of living continuing to squeeze household budgets.

While a growing number of people are struggling to balance the books when it comes to essential expenses such as energy bills, groceries and car fuel, figures have shown that travel remains a high priority for many Brits.

A new survey revealed that 55% of people have or intend to book a foreign holiday in 2025. Of those, 39% said they can comfortably budget for an overseas holiday, while 16% admitted they would struggle financially but still planned to travel abroad.

When asked if the ongoing cost of living crisis would impact the duration of their holiday – forcing people to book shorter trips – 52% of holidaymakers said it would not.

Meanwhile, 17% of those surveyed cannot afford a foreign holiday in 2025 and plan to have a staycation in the UK instead. A further 12% said they will be unable to afford any form of holiday this year.

Ian Wilson, travel expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, said: “With Christmas in the rear-view mirror, many people will be looking for ways to beat the January blues – perhaps by starting to think about their next getaway. And while summer may seem like a long way off, January may be the ideal time to book your trip if you are looking to get the best deal possible.

“Leaving it late in the hopes of securing a last-minute deal can be risky. Flight prices for popular routes tend to get more expensive the closer it gets to the date of travel, so the earlier you book, the better the chance you have of securing your preferred flights and accommodation at lower prices.

“Also, it is worth remembering that many travel providers start their sales in January, making it easier to bag big discounts.

“Whether you’re looking for some fun in the sun, packing your skis for a snowy adventure or planning a short city break, Tiger.co.uk has put together some useful tips that will help you save money when booking your next trip.”

• Early bird gets the worm

While an early morning flight may not be everyone’s idea of a relaxing start to their holiday, it could be worth it if you want to get the best possible deal. Many airlines sell morning flights at a cheaper price to make the flight more attractive. As a bonus, early flights are less likely to be delayed, as air traffic is not as busy in the morning*.

• Fly mid-week

Dur to lower demand, the cheapest days to fly are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you can, avoid travelling on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays, as these are popular days for business travellers, which can push up prices**.

• Be flexible

Having some flexibility with your travel dates and destination is one of the most effective ways to save money when booking a holiday. Rather than picking a set location and date range, keep an open mind of where and when you are prepared to travel. This will allow you to shop around and take advantage of the best possible deals.

Whatever your destination in 2025, Tiger.co.uk can help holidaymakers compare travel insurance and find savings on annual travel insurance, travel insurance for families and even those who are need travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.

Findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK in December 2024, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

References:

* https://www.alternativeairlines.com/morning-flights

** https://www.kayak.co.uk/news/how-to-find-cheap-flights/

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.