Spend on holidays sees highest rise five years on from pandemic

Consumer spending on holidays and travel has rocketed since the pandemic, new analysis reveals.

Data from Nationwide five years on from the first Covid-19 lockdown, shows increased spending across a number of areas, including travel, leisure, eating out and health and beauty.

The outlay on holidays has soared 520% from less than £70 million in 2021 to more than £431 million.

Travel spend is up 436% from under £25 million to £133 million.

However, areas including dating, DIY, general retailers and discount stores recorded dips in spending.

Nationwide’s spending data, based on all debit and credit card transactions by its customers, reveals how the UK’s spending habits have undergone a significant shift, ditching home-focused habits to a renewed enthusiasm for experiences and reclaiming life outside of home.

The building society said: “Unsurprisingly, Brits have increased spending on the things they enjoy since Covid, showing the value they put on their social lives. 

“Holidays saw the biggest increase (up 520%) followed by travel (+436%); then leisure & recreation (+246%) and then eating & drinking out (+229%).

Payments strategy directors Mark Nalder said: “Back in 2021, lockdown shaped our lives and our spending. This forced people to focus and invest in their home life – from television subscriptions and home improvements to supermarket deliveries and even how they dated. 

“Fast forward to 2025 and priorities have clearly shifted, with people choosing to live life to the fullest away from the home through holidays, travel and socialising.”