More than a quarter of UK families do not have a summer holiday booked this year, with rising costs being the primary reason, according to a new survey commissioned by accommodation rental company Airbnb. The poll of 2,000 adults with at least one child aged five to 18 revealed that the cost of living and travel expenses are the most common barriers.
Pressure to Provide a Holiday
The survey indicated that two-in-five (42%) parents feel pressured to provide a summer holiday for their family. Among those who do have a trip planned, 71% expressed concern about the cost. To afford their break, a third of respondents dipped into savings, while 38% relied on financial support from extended family members.
Lisa Marcais, Airbnb’s general manager for the UK, warned that the results highlight a “holiday gap,” with many families unable to afford a break. “Family holidays are about much more than time away; they’re an opportunity to reconnect, improve wellbeing, create invaluable memories and have new experiences together. But for too many families in the UK, rising costs mean that even a short break is out of reach,” she said.
Impact of Inflation
The cost of living rose sharply in 2021 and 2022, with inflation peaking at 11.1% in October 2022—a 41-year high. This was driven by soaring energy and fuel prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and high global demand post-coronavirus lockdowns. While inflation has since eased to 2.8% last month, the cumulative impact means households face significantly higher costs than in 2021.
Charity Support
Airbnb noted that more than 300 low-income families have enjoyed their first holiday together this year thanks to a £300,000 donation to Family Holiday Charity. Rob Parkinson, the charity’s chief executive, emphasized the benefits of family time away, calling it “incredibly important and deeply rewarding.” However, he cautioned that it is not a “lasting solution to the systemic problems which prevent people from accessing breaks.” He added: “Collaborating with industry and policymakers is essential if we are to drive the transformative change we believe can alter the life chances of families throughout the UK.”
The survey was conducted by research company Censuswide between May 12-27.
