Rising Travel Costs Curb Spontaneous Getaways for Majority of Brits
More than half of Britons feel increasingly unable to afford last-minute breaks, as travel prices continue to climb, according to new research from digital bank Zopa. The study reveals that 54% of Brits say spontaneity has become a luxury they struggle to afford, with unplanned trips often costing more than carefully planned alternatives.
The so-called “spontaneity gap” – the divide between wanting to seize the moment and feeling financially able to – means many are missing out on the joy of unplanned experiences, Zopa reports.
Psychological Benefits of Spontaneity
Psychologist Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo explained why spontaneous experiences can be particularly rewarding. “They disrupt habitual patterns of thinking and behaviour. Novel experiences enhance neuroplasticity and our brain’s ability to adapt and learn new things,” she said. “It can also trigger dopamine release, enhancing enjoyment and motivation, reinforcing the likelihood of trying new things and strengthening memories of those experiences.”
However, Quinn-Cirillo noted that spontaneity is most beneficial when accompanied by a sense of psychological safety. “If an impulsive decision is perceived as financially risky, the brain’s threat-monitoring systems become more active, reducing the capacity to fully experience enjoyment. Having some financial headroom helps reduce this perceived threat, enabling people to make spontaneous decisions with greater confidence,” she added.
Memories and Freedom Linked to Unplanned Experiences
The research also found that for 65% of Brits, the best memories come from unplanned experiences, while 70% associate spontaneity with a greater sense of freedom and living in the moment.
Zopa’s Biscuit Account and Break Map
Zopa’s Biscuit account allows users to earn up to £192 through cashback, interest, and fee-free spending. The bank has created the Biscuit Break Map, using data from flight comparison site Skyscanner, to show how far customers can travel with those perks.
Top destinations and their costs in terms of the Biscuit reward include:
- Amsterdam: £98, or ½ a Biscuit
- Brussels: £173, or 4/5 of a Biscuit
- Marseilles: £143, or 3/4 of a Biscuit
- Barcelona: £65, or 1/3 of a Biscuit
- Seville: £52, or 1/4 of a Biscuit
- Faro: £115, or 3/5 of a Biscuit
Clare Gambardella, chief customer officer at Zopa Bank, said: “People aren’t looking for excuses to spend recklessly; they’re looking for the freedom to say yes to the moments that make life feel exciting, spontaneous and memorable without compromising their financial goals. We created the Biscuit Break Map to show how everyday banking rewards can become something people genuinely value: a small ‘Say Yes Fund’ that gives them the freedom to book the trip, take the weekend away or make the most of summer.”
