UK students to spend same or more on holidays despite surging costs

Figures published on Monday (27 March) by discount website Unidays show that 84% of British students are planning to spend the same or more on travel this year despite the cost of living crisis.

More than half of them are nevertheless sticking to shorter stays – usually one week at the beach (66%) or in cities (53%) – as value for money remains the number one priority for 81% of respondents. 

“As we know from over a decade’s experience, students always have their eye firmly focused on value,” said chief strategy officer Alex Gallagher. “ Yet, with the majority planning not to reduce their holiday budget compared to last year, the international travel market can take confidence in a return to normal behaviours post-pandemic.”

Young people are not the only ones to splurge money on getaways. According to Emirates divisional vice-president Richard Jewsbury, demand for both long and short-haul will continue to grow despite the current economic environment. 

“People prioritise what they spend their money on,” he told TTG. “They may choose to go out slightly less often or cut costs elsewhere, but travel will be protected.”