A Deep Dive Into British Travel Habits

Depending on your generation, your priorities and values will likely differ, especially when travelling and choosing a holiday. Our guide discusses how British people like to travel and how this has evolved, from how they book their holiday to what added extras they are willing to spend their money on.

Booking Online or via a Travel Agent

Nowadays, independently booking your flights and hotel is easy. You can find the best deal online on your phone or computer. We've found that British people would instead shop around themselves and book separately if it makes their trip cheaper. From budget hotels to last-minute flights or private plane travel, online bookings are simple and efficient.

Although most British travellers prefer finding the best deal themselves, 20% of people aged between 55 and 64 and 18% of those over 65 still opt for the more traditional method of visiting the travel agent face-to-face and getting personal recommendations before shopping around.

There are pros and cons to both when it comes to booking themselves online or through a travel agent. Completing your research online is a much more convenient way to find a holiday as you aren't bound by the travel agency's opening hours. You're also likely to have a broader range compared to what a travel agency can offer. However, a travel agent will give more personalised, expert advice and potentially find deals you were unaware of.

Choosing Your Seat

You can usually pay extra for optional add-ons when booking a holiday. There are many benefits to choosing your seat on a plane, such as adding extra legroom and extra luggage. The priorities of British travellers from different age groups often differ, and there is a generational gap regarding what add-ons people are willing to pay more for during their bookings.

Our study focused on the younger generation first and found that 18 to 24-year-olds splurge the most on food on the plane and carry more luggage, while private airport transfers are the least important. It should come as no surprise that 25 to 34-year-olds and 35 to 44-year-olds prioritise having additional luggage as their second add-on choice. Still, they're more likely to invest in a bigger hotel room before adding additional luggage.

The older generation is less concerned about being able to take additional luggage and prefers to select their plane seats. More experienced travellers also like the option of choosing their seat, with 55–64-year-olds and 45–54-year-olds picking this as their preferred upgrade.

Travelling With the Family or as a Couple

British youth agree that when it comes to going away, they'd much rather set out on adventures with a romantic partner than anyone else. As travellers age, the consensus begins to change, with adults between 35 and 44 opting for holidays with the entire family rather than just with their significant other.

The story stays the same for the generation above (45+), who also embark on holidays that the entire family can enjoy. This change could be because British couples begin to have children and create families further along in their relationship, meaning they want to explore foreign lands with the people they love the most rather than having the young independence of wanting to fend for themselves and seek adventure.

Accommodations & All-inclusive Holidays

Across all age groups, the Brits preferred staying in a hotel followed by an apartment or Airbnb, but the 18–24-year-old group had the most significant difference between those who preferred a hotel (54%) and those who preferred an apartment or Airbnb (24%). Although, interestingly, they stay at hostels more often than any other age group (11%), this may be more of a financial consideration.

Regarding the type of board holidaymakers prefer, the consensus is all-inclusive holidays, a way to limit spending while they are away, enjoying meals, snacks, and drinks, all included in the price of the holiday. For those looking to venture into the towns and cities, all-inclusive holidays may feel a little indulgent, so often opt for a bed and breakfast option, allowing eating out at restaurants and enjoying the local cuisine.

Exploring The Local Area

The British public can agree that when they are on holiday, they want to venture into the local streets and explore as much of the place they are staying as possible. From immersing yourself in the culture to sightseeing and just wandering around to stumble across hidden gems, travelling is about making the most of your time away.

This being said, if you've done a lot of exploring in your younger years, the main reason you want to go away is to sit back and relax. As we have already discovered, older generations are more inclined to go on an all-inclusive holiday, giving them less reason to go out and explore and more reason to sit back, relax, and unwind.

Brits Abroad

When it comes to booking a holiday and setting out on our travels, we Brits have a unique way of doing things and our habits to ensure we feel we have the best deal, the best seats, and the best experience possible. We can conclusively say that British people love to travel and will continue to do so for a long time.