Brits sacrificing ‘everyday luxuries’ to save for travel, new data finds
New consumer research shows that many Brits are deliberately cutting back on everyday discretionary spending and delaying bigger purchases in order to protect their holiday budgets. From skipping meals out and new clothes to taking on side hustles or downsizing housing plans, travel is increasingly treated as a non‑negotiable priority despite the ongoing cost-of-living squeeze.
Sources & references
- https://www.thetraveler.org/brits-cut-little-luxuries-to-protect-holidays-study-finds/
- https://www.advantagetravelpartnership.com/gen-z-sacrifices-nights-out-new-clothes-to-afford-holidays
- https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/brits-ready-to-trade-up-to-five-star-affordable-luxury-in-cheaper-destinations-49883
- https://www.euronews.com/travel/2022/09/30/beach-breaks-and-fewer-luxuries-how-is-the-cost-of-living-crisis-changing-the-way-we-holid
- https://www.dailywaffle.co.uk/2024/12/brits-cut-back-on-luxuries-and-travel-due-to-cost-concerns/
- https://www.cruisetradenews.com/resources/uploads/2026/02/CTN-Industry-Report-2026-Download-PDF.pdf
- https://www.holidaypirates.com/press/uk-brits-cutting-back-to-pay-for-holidays-amid-package-price-rises-of-17
- https://www.nationwide.co.uk/media/news/2026-spending-trends-consumers-splash-out-on-holidays-concerts-and-wellness-but-rising-costs-put-big-purchases-on-ice
- https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/travel/travel-spontaneity-too-expensive-tendendo-34269389
- https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/inspiration/holiday-bookings-cost-of-living-crisis-b2323533.html
- https://www.dailymail.com/travel/article-15965441/holidays-summer-Brits-short-trips-weekend-getaways-Europe.html
- https://www.cruisetradenews.com/spending-with-travel-agents-grows-in-june-after-three-months-of-decline/
- https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/apr/14/holidays-hit-cost-of-living-iran-war-travel
- https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/jul/11/gen-z-travel-soft-saving
- https://globetrender.com/2022/09/23/majority-brits-wont-sacrifice-travel-during-cost-of-living-crisis/
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