Holidays

Part of the Life Well Spent Report 2025

Can we afford to go on holiday as often as we like? And where would we go if money was no object?

4 in 5 go on at least one holiday a year

It’s no surprise that we love a good holiday. And like last year, over 4 in 5 (82%) people over 50 take at least one holiday abroad or in the UK every year – although this is around 5% less than previous years.

And once again, people go on one international break a year on average. But the average number of staycations has dropped from two to one since 2024.

The happiest of us go on holidays more than those who rate their happiness as only one to four out of ten – 88%, compared to 67%.

And 18% don’t go on holiday at all (+4% since 2024, and +5% since 2022), although this drops to 12% for the happiest people.

Over a third of the happiest people have increased their holiday spend

Overall, people are spending more on holidays in 2025. And 36% of the happiest people have increased their spending on holidays this year, compared to just 16% of the unhappiest.

Holidays abroad

On average, people spend £2,646 on holidays abroad – £73 more than in 2024, and £74 more than in 2022.

But the happiest people spend £2,918 on holidays abroad – £25 less than last year. And the over 70s are spending more on them too, with an average of £2,842, compared to £2,622 for people ages 50 to 59, and £2,536 for people ages 60 to 69.

There is some regional variation in the amount spent on holidays abroad, with the Welsh once again topping the list with an average spend of £3,962. While those in Northern Ireland spend the least at just £1,758.

Holidays in the UK

When it comes to holidays in the UK, a staycation sets us back £826 on average (-£18 since 2024) – rising to £917 for the happiest (+£105).

Regionally, people in the West Midlands spend the most on staycations – £1,064 – and those in Northern Ireland spend the least at £570.

7 in 10 prioritise rest and relaxation when holidaying abroad

Rest and relaxation are what people are looking for most in a holiday abroad, with 7 in 10 naming it as their top priority. This is followed closely by sunshine at 67%. Value for money comes in third at 57%.

Women are slightly more likely to be looking for sun, with 71% naming it as their top consideration, compared to 63% of men. Whereas men are more likely to look for walking and hiking than women, at 30% versus 22%.

There are some notable regional differences in what people look for most in a holiday abroad. 79% of people in Wales list rest and relaxation as their top priorities, compared to 64% of East Midlanders.

What we look for in a holiday abroad

The USA is still our dream holiday destination

The top three dream holiday destinations have changed a little since last year. Australia has been bumped to third place after the Caribbean – but England still comes in fourth.

Most aren't sure they'll ever be able to afford their dream holiday

People expect their dream holiday to cost £6,098 on average – down £1,003 since 2024, and down £5,304 since 2022.

While 31% plan to take their bucket list trip one day, 24% are hopeful but not confident they'll be able to afford it. Sadly, 32% say they don't think they'll ever be able to afford to go. And 12% think it wouldn’t be worth the money.

For some homeowners, equity release could be a way to release tax-free cash from their home’s value, making their dream holiday possible – find out how at our dedicated equity release hub.

1 in 5 choose not to travel due to a health condition

3 in 4 people (74%) always take out travel insurance when they go on holiday abroad. 5% take it out often, and another 5% occasionally. But 1 in 6 (16%) have been put off taking out travel insurance because of the cost.

It seems health is a concern for many people over 50 when they’re thinking about travelling. In fact, almost 1 in 5 (19%) have chosen not to travel due to a health condition. And 17% of over 50s aren’t confident about making a claim on their travel insurance.

Have people ever chosen not to travel due to a health condition?

Do people feel confident making a travel insurance claim?