Package holidays most popular type of trip, finds HSBC UK survey

Package holidays emerged as the most popular type of trip in a survey of more than 2,000 adults by HSBC UK.

Of those surveyed, 35% favoured a package holiday and this was the case across almost all groups.

The exceptions were 25-34 year-olds and parents who travel with children, with both groups preferring city breaks.

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In the rankings of top destinations for this year, Spain came first (28%), followed by Greece (17%), Italy (16%), France (14%) and Portugal (13%).

The survey also found that 57% of Brits are not keen on discussing their holiday spending habits and never tell others how much they have spent on their trip.

The average Brit spends eight months saving for a holiday, according to the research, with parents’ saving period being 10 months.

The survey found the overall cost of a family holiday abroad is the most important deciding factor for 54% of parents who travel with their children, followed by a sunny or warm climate (51%), with 44% of parents prioritising the price of their accommodation.

The typical holidaymaker spends an additional £250 on “extras” during a week-long trip compared with their regular at-home expenses. The extra spending often goes towards dining out, attending live events, clothes and transport.

Younger travellers are far more open about their holiday spending, the survey suggested, with 64% of 16-24 year-olds willing to discuss their expenses. In contrast, only 22% of those aged 55 and over are likely to share how much they have spent.

Popular souvenirs include memorabilia from iconic landmarks (27%), local handicrafts or artwork (24%), specialty foods or beverages (20%), postcards or stamps (17%), traditional clothing and accessories (16%) and vintage items from flea markets or street vendors (16%).

When asked about spontaneous trips while on holiday, 36% of respondents revealed they had taken an impromptu day trip to a nearby town or attraction. The trend was most significant among those aged 55 and over, with 41% answering in the affirmative.

Among the spontaneous travellers, 48% said they had discovered sights they would not have seen otherwise and 38% felt it made their trip more exciting.

On the topic of unexpected costs, 31% of respondents admitted they had encountered these on their trip. Among those who had faced the costs, 41% were charged for using their card abroad and another 41% faced currency conversion fees.

Gen Z travellers (16-24-year-olds) were the most likely to be caught out by unexpected expenses, with 52% facing such fees. In contrast, only 15% of those aged 55 and over reported similar experiences.

A total of 2,002 adults were surveyed online by Censuswide on behalf of HSBC UK between June 4-7, with the figures weighted and representative of all UK adults aged 16 and above.