As living costs rise, British holidaymakers are increasingly choosing domestic holidays over international travel for Summer 2025, according to new data from Taboola.
The UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirms that financial concerns are shaping consumer spending and influencing vacation choices. Despite the trend towards more affordable UK holidays, Mediterranean destinations like Spain continue to be popular, with budget airlines playing a significant role in keeping overseas travel accessible.
Staycations Lead the Way
Taboola, a global leader in content recommendations, analyzed UK media readership trends to determine the most popular travel destinations among British travelers heading into the summer season.
Since January 2025, articles about classic British holiday locations have attracted millions of views:
Devon: 4.7 million views
Cornwall: 4.4 million views
Cotswolds: 600,000 views, with Tewkesbury and Cheltenham drawing particular interest
These figures indicate that many British travelers are focusing on affordable options while still seeking scenic and relaxing escapes within the UK.
Spain Remains a Popular Choice Despite Economic Pressures
Although the cost-of-living crisis is a concern, Spain remains the top international destination for British tourists.
Taboola’s data reveals:
- Articles about Spain garnered 10.4 million views
- Ibiza, Bilbao, Benidorm, and the Canary Islands were the most searched destinations
- Stories about the Canary Islands alone attracted 1.9 million views
This aligns with travel industry forecasts, which predict that Spain will continue to be a preferred choice for those seeking sun and relaxation.
Budget Airlines Boost International Travel
Affordable airfares play a key role in British holidaymakers’ decisions to travel abroad.
Taboola’s data shows:
- Ryanair-related articles received 3.3 million views
- EasyJet-related stories garnered 1.2 million views, the highest for any airline
Thanks to budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet, British travelers can still enjoy Mediterranean holidays without breaking the bank.
Government Support and Travel Industry Insights
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) is closely monitoring airline prices and accessibility to ensure that British travelers have access to affordable travel options. Additionally, VisitBritain’s tourism campaigns are encouraging both domestic and international travel to support industry growth.
Balancing Budget with Travel Desires
David Struzzi, Communications Lead at Taboola, summed up the trend:
“Affordability continues to influence travel decisions, with staycations gaining popularity. However, British travelers still seek sun and relaxation, and budget airlines are making Mediterranean getaways more affordable.”
As Summer 2025 approaches, British holidaymakers are expected to balance budget-conscious travel with a desire for international getaways, leading to a mix of domestic and overseas trips.
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