Brits to spend out an estimated £6.6bn on spontaneous overseas holidays

Brits are projected to splash out an estimated £6.6 billion on spontaneous spending while on holiday abroad this year as they look to make the most of their overseas breaks, research from savings app Spring has revealed.

A survey of 2,000 Brits found that 79% of holidaymakers admit to spending extra on spontaneous purchases while overseas, with the average holidaymaker spending £119 on unplanned extras.

Unplanned shopping is the most common reason for spontaneous holiday spending, cited by 40% of those who make spontaneous purchases. This was followed closely by unexpected activities or excursions, at 38%, while 23% said they spent more than planned on upgrading their meals and drinks.

The findings suggest that spontaneity is already built into the way many Brits approach their holidays. Four in ten holidaymakers (42%) describe themselves as spontaneous travellers, with 9% saying they barely plan anything and 33% saying they plan a little but leave the rest open.

A further 36% describe themselves as mostly planned but leave some room for spontaneity, with just 16% say they like everything fully planned.

Younger travellers are the most likely to take a spontaneous approach. More than half of Gen Z holidaymakers describe themselves as spontaneous travellers, including 13% who say they barely plan anything and 43% who plan a little but leave the rest open. Millennials also lean towards flexibility, with 47% describing themselves as spontaneous travellers.

Older travellers are more likely to plan. Baby boomers are the most organised generation, with 42% saying they are mostly planned but leave a little room for spontaneity, while a further 20% say they like everything organised.

The research also found that holidaymakers are willing to spend in advance to make their trips feel more comfortable or memorable. Nearly six in 10 holidaymakers, 59%, pay for planned holiday upgrades, spending an average of £167 each.

Food and drink packages are the most common planned upgrade, paid for by 21% of holidaymakers, while 17% pay for in-destination activities such as guided tours or boat trips.

Travel-related upgrades are also popular, with 15% paying for extra baggage, 12% paying for extra legroom, 11% paying for priority boarding and 11% paying for airport lounge access. One in 10 holidaymakers also pay for airport fast track security.

For many holidaymakers, upgrades are about enjoyment rather than necessity. Among those who spend on holiday upgrades, 29% say they do so to treat themselves or make the holiday feel special. A similar proportion say they upgrade for comfort, while others point to practical reasons, including convenience at 15%, saving time at 11% and reducing stress at 10%.

The research also revealed clear generational differences in how Brits surveyed choose to upgrade their holidays, with younger travellers more likely to pay for add-ons that make the journey easier or the trip feel more experience-led.

Gen Z travellers are among the most likely to pay for practical travel add-ons. Almost a quarter pay for extra baggage, at 24%, and the same proportion pay for in-destination activities such as guided tours or boat trips. They are also more likely than older travellers to pay for priority boarding and airport fast track security, both at 13%.

Millennials show the strongest appetite for holiday upgrades overall. A third pay for food or drink packages, compared with 17% of Gen X and 8% of baby boomers. Almost a quarter of millennials pay for in-destination activities (23%), while 21% pay for upgraded room types and 15% pay for premium economy or business-class upgrades.

Older travellers are more likely to avoid upgrades altogether. More than half of baby boomers say they do not typically pay for any holiday upgrades (57%), compared with 22% of millennials and 20% of Gen Z.

Derek Sprawling, Head of Money at Spring, said “Holiday spending rarely stops when the flights and hotel are paid for. For many people, the extras are what make a trip feel special, whether that is a meal in a better restaurant, a guided tour, extra legroom or simply avoiding queues at the airport.

“Our research shows that these costs are often emotional as well as practical. People want to make the most of their time away, but spontaneous spending can quickly add up if it has not been factored into the overall holiday budget.”

He added: “That is where Spring can help. Spring allows unlimited withdrawals, so if holidaymakers want to take advantage of a spontaneous opportunity, they can do so easily, knowing they can get hold of their savings in an instant.