Jet-setting Brits plan on spending over £1,700 per international holiday next year

With 2025 rapidly approaching, new research from American Express¹ shows that UK adults are setting their horizons on international holidays for the new year. Indeed, some 12.2 million Brits have already booked flights, transport or accommodation for international trips in 2025, with plans to spend £1,753 on the average holiday abroad.

Of those who have already booked their trips, 43% say they enjoy planning and booking in advance. Over a quarter (27%) of travellers going overseas are expecting to spend more on holidays next year than in 2024.

¡Viva España! Spain’s reign remains

In terms of the UK’s top overseas destinations, Greece is set to overtake France in an untouched top five that has gone from strength to strength2. For the third consecutive year, Spain takes pole position with almost one-fifth (19%) of global travellers from the UK heading to España.

Top five international destinations 2025

1.     Spain (19%)
2.     Italy (11%)
3.     Greece (10%)
4.     France (9%)
5.     USA (8%)

Plenty of Brits are planning domestic holidays in 2025 too, making the most of UK destinations. Almost two-thirds (63%) of adults have already started planning staycation holidays across the UK for the year ahead, expecting to spend £784 on the average domestic holiday in 2025.

It seems the nation is split between a taste of the city, or country stays when considering holidays in Britain. Major attractions, foodie hotspots and a taste of the city lifestyle sees London (13%) pip the Lake District (12%) as the most popular staycation destination.

Whether it’s in the UK or abroad, the research shows that city breaks are Brits’ favourite type of holiday. 42% of sightseers are plotting a city break next year, looking to soak up the culture and buzz cities offer. However, beach trips follow very closely behind, with 41% of Brits planning jaunts to the seaside.

Dave Edwards, Vice President, American Express: “With 2025 fast approaching, many of us are eagerly looking ahead to getaways. Our research shows Brits are getting prepared and spending early with nearly two-thirds (62%) of those who have booked flights have done so earlier than they did so last year. For those yet to make plans, there’s still time to explore how to get rewarded on holiday and indeed, everyday spend all year round”

Turning points into planes

Half of UK adults (50%) going on holidays next year plan to pay for their travels with credit cards or rewards points. For a limited time, new Platinum Card ® customers can earn up to 80,000 Membership Rewards® points when they spend £10,000 in the first six months, turning everyday spending into exciting rewards including travel and holidays. Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy travel benefits including comprehensive worldwide travel insurance, hotel room upgrades and late check out (when available), plus lounge access at over 1,400 premium airport lounges.

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NOTES 

1 Research was conducted by Opinium. Sample was of 2,000 UK adults (18+). Results were weighted to be nationally representative. Fieldwork took place 08-12 November 2024.