UK Summer Holidays Skyrocket in Price: Families Face Soaring Costs for Popular Destinations

As the summer holiday season approaches, UK families seeking an escape are encountering significant price hikes for popular all-inclusive packages. Destinations like Spain, Cyprus, and Turkey, traditionally favoured for their affordability and sunshine, have seen substantial cost increases, impacting travel budgets nationwide.

Data compiled for the BBC reveals a stark reality for holidaymakers. For instance, a week-long all-inclusive family holiday in Cyprus in August has surged by an average of 23%, climbing from approximately £950 per person in 2024 to £1,166 this year. This represents a considerable increase for families planning their summer break.

Among the top 10 most searched holiday destinations, only Italy and Tunisia have bucked this trend, with prices decreasing by 11% and 4% respectively compared to the previous year. This suggests that while some destinations offer slight relief, the overall cost of international travel for families remains on an upward trajectory.

The UAE has experienced the most dramatic price jump, with average costs for August holidays soaring by 26%. What cost £1,210 per person in 2024 has now risen to £1,525 for 2025. Spain, Greece, and Portugal also feature in the list of popular destinations with notable price increases.

These figures, derived from online searches on TravelSupermarket between April 18 and June 17 for all-inclusive, seven-night family holidays, offer a snapshot of the market. Travel agents are observing that holidaymakers are adapting by booking shorter stays or opting for mid-week travel to mitigate the rising costs.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of the Advantage Travel Partnership, attributes these increases to the “broader cost of doing business.” She highlighted factors such as escalating energy bills for hotels, increased food costs in restaurants, and rising wages within the hospitality sector as key drivers behind the price hikes. Despite these challenges, she noted a segment of travellers are still willing to invest in premium experiences, upgrading to more luxurious all-inclusive packages or choosing higher-tier seating for long-haul flights.

For many families, however, the focus remains on finding ways to make their desired holidays more affordable. Ellie Mooney, a regular visitor to Turkey, shared her strategy: “We’ve been going for the past 20 years or so. We normally book a year ahead then save up in dribs and drabs.” This long-term planning and consistent saving are becoming crucial for securing family holidays.

Hope Curran, returning from a trip to Rhodes, Greece, found that an all-inclusive package made the holiday more manageable, though still costly. Similarly, end-of-life care nurse Francesca Ramsden, 35, has become adept at budget travel, sharing her tips online. “The longest I’ve booked a holiday in advance is two to three months and I find that the closer you get, the cheaper it is,” she remarked, advocating for last-minute bookings and strategic packing.

Travel consultant Luke Fitzpatrick observes a growing trend of travellers shortening their trips, moving from 10-night stays to more economical four or seven-night breaks. He also notes an increase in spontaneous travel, with clients actively seeking last-minute deals, sometimes even departing the same day they book.

Strategies for Saving on Your Summer Getaway

• Consider Budget-Friendly Destinations: While international travel beckons, exploring options within the UK can eliminate currency exchange costs and often prove more economical. For overseas trips, research destinations where the pound offers stronger value, such as Turkey, Bulgaria, and Portugal.
• Evaluate All-Inclusive Value: Before committing to an all-inclusive package, compare its cost against local prices for dining, drinks, and transportation to ensure it offers genuine savings.
• Flexibility is Key: Traveling outside of peak school holiday periods can lead to significant cost reductions. If possible, opt for mid-week flights, as they are often cheaper than weekend departures.
• Book Strategically: While last-minute deals can be advantageous, booking further in advance, especially for travel during peak times, can often secure better rates and availability.
• Negotiate with Agents: Don’t hesitate to negotiate with travel agents. Sometimes, they can offer better deals than those advertised online.
• Pack Smart: Maximize carry-on allowances to avoid checked baggage fees, a common way travellers can save money.

Source: Which? and TravelSupermarket