Shocking Truth: Rising Holiday Costs in 2025 Are Forcing Brits to Rethink Family Travel, Here’s How

Published on December 9, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Rising holiday costs in 2025 are forcing Brits to rethink family travel in ways they never imagined. As families face soaring prices for flights, accommodation, and activities, many are being pushed to reconsider their holiday plans.

This shocking truth has prompted a wave of changes in how families approach their vacations. With more families struggling to afford traditional holidays abroad, many are turning to budget-friendly options. As the cost of family holidays continues to rise, it’s clear that Brits can no longer travel in the same way.

Whether it’s choosing local destinations over overseas ones or cutting back on expensive activities, rising holiday costs are reshaping the way families plan their getaways. In this article, we explore how these rising costs are transforming family travel and what steps Brits are taking to make the most of their vacations.

Rising holiday costs are changing the way Brits travel with their families. As family holiday costs have surged by 4.2% year-on-year, more families are struggling to keep up. With Google searches for “cheap family holiday” rising by 60%, families are feeling the strain. A recent survey commissioned by global travel booking site Omio, which polled 2,000 Brits, shows how this increase in costs is shifting holiday habits. Many families are now turning to credit cards, taking out loans, or making sacrifices in their daily lives just to afford the getaway they’ve always dreamed of. With this change, the dream holiday destinations of many Brits are becoming a distant reality.

Rising Costs Push Brits Into Debt
The survey revealed a concerning trend: nearly 50% of Brits spent more than £3,000 on their most recent family holiday, with 60% admitting this was more than similar holidays they’ve taken in recent years. The growing costs are forcing families to rethink how they pay for their holidays. A staggering 67% of Brits relied on some form of credit to fund their family trips, with credit cards being the most popular option (54%) followed by ‘buy now, pay later’ methods (21%). This financial burden is reflected in increasing debt levels, with charities like Stepchange and Citizens Advice reporting record numbers of debt cases. As families continue to strive for memorable holidays, it’s clear that rising costs are pushing them deeper into financial trouble.

The Daily Sacrifices Families Are Making
With the rising costs of family holidays, many Brits are being forced to make sacrifices in their everyday lives just to save for their trips. According to the survey, nearly three-quarters of Britons (72%) are making daily sacrifices to put money aside for their family holidays. The most common sacrifices include ditching eating out and takeaways (62%), giving up on hobbies and leisure activities (43%), and cutting back on family days out (40%). A significant portion (32%) is even compromising on the quality of food they buy for their families. These sacrifices, once rare, are becoming the norm for many Brits who still want to enjoy a holiday with their families but cannot afford the increasing costs.

Dream Destinations on the Back Burner
Rising travel costs have forced many families to reconsider their dream holiday destinations. The survey found that Disneyland, Florida, remains the top dream family destination, with 25% of Brits wishing to visit. However, due to soaring costs, this dream is slipping further out of reach. Other dream destinations, like the Maldives, are also falling further behind. As the financial pressure of overseas travel mounts, nearly half of British families (46%) are now considering UK destinations like Cornwall as a more affordable alternative. For those who do travel abroad, destinations closer to home, such as Spain, are becoming the most attainable option.

The UK Becomes the New Go-To Destination
As international travel becomes more expensive, many families are turning to UK-only holidays. With 19% of families planning to holiday exclusively within the UK from now on, destinations like Cornwall are seeing a rise in popularity. The affordability of staying within the UK, combined with the lack of long-haul flight costs, is making it a practical and attractive option for many. The demand for UK holidays is expected to grow, with families opting for seaside resorts, countryside escapes, and scenic stays that offer a relaxing holiday experience without the burden of exorbitant travel costs.

The Impact on Family Travel Trends
The rising costs of family holidays are reshaping the travel trends in the UK. Families are seeking out cheaper, more accessible options as the price of international holidays continues to rise. As a result, holidays within the UK are experiencing a boom, with families exploring local destinations they may have overlooked in the past. This shift in family travel is driving a new tourism trend within the UK, one where cost-effective, close-to-home vacations are becoming the preferred choice. While international travel may take a backseat for now, the future of family holidays may lie in exploring the beauty and culture that the UK has to offer.

Why More Brits Are Choosing Affordable Holidays
The increasing popularity of affordable, UK-based holidays reflects a broader shift in how Brits approach travel. With rising prices and financial pressures, many families are realising that they can have a fulfilling holiday experience without flying halfway across the world. Whether it’s a beach getaway in Cornwall or a countryside retreat, the UK offers diverse options for family vacations. As families adjust to new economic realities, the focus is now on quality time spent together, not extravagant destinations. With accommodation costs and local attractions often more affordable, UK holidays are becoming the new norm for many.

The Rising Demand for Budget-Friendly Travel
As the cost of holidays continues to climb, the demand for budget-friendly travel options is rising. With many families looking to cut costs, travel booking sites are seeing a surge in interest for deals on domestic vacations and shorter international trips. Budget airlines, package deals, and discounts on family-friendly destinations are becoming increasingly popular. Families are also looking for flexible payment options and early booking deals to spread the cost of their trips over time. The demand for cost-effective travel solutions has never been higher, with families prioritising affordability without sacrificing quality.

How Travel Companies Are Adapting
Travel companies are responding to the rising demand for affordable holidays by adapting their offerings to suit the needs of cost-conscious families. Many are introducing more flexible pricing, offering discounts, and creating package deals that cater specifically to family travellers. These companies are also focusing on UK-based holidays, providing families with a variety of affordable and accessible options. With families seeking more value for money, travel companies are focusing on providing a range of options that meet different budgets, ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy a memorable holiday, no matter the cost.

Conclusion: The Future of Family Holidays
Rising holiday costs are undeniably changing the way Brits travel with their families. With families making daily sacrifices and resorting to credit options to fund their trips, the dream of expensive overseas holidays is slowly slipping away. Instead, UK holidays are becoming the go-to option for many, as affordability and convenience become top priorities. While international travel may still be on the horizon for some, the shift towards local destinations is reshaping the future of family holidays. Families are adapting to new realities and focusing on the joy of spending quality time together, regardless of the destination.