Nationwide has released an important alert for travellers with summer plans, warning that holiday plans for millions of Brits are being thrown into disarray as growing global tensions force families to rethink their summer getaways.
Impact of Global Events on Holiday Plans
Almost one in four people say world events have already affected their holiday plans, with many delaying bookings, cancelling trips altogether or opting for cheaper breaks closer to home. The findings come amid heightened concerns over instability in the Middle East, including tensions involving Iran and fears over energy supplies and fuel costs, which have added fresh uncertainty for holidaymakers already grappling with stretched household budgets.
Research from Nationwide found that 23% of people say global events have altered their summer travel plans this year. Among those affected, more than a quarter (28%) have delayed making holiday decisions, while 23% have chosen a UK break instead of travelling overseas.
Changing Spending Patterns
Others are looking to cut costs, with 17% booking cheaper holidays and 16% opting for shorter trips. Around 15% have cancelled holidays entirely, while the same proportion have switched to day trips instead. The building society said the trend has given rise to the 'delaycation' – where travellers postpone committing to holiday plans until they feel more confident about global developments.
Its figures suggest the caution is already feeding through into spending patterns. Nationwide's card data shows average holiday spending fell by 1.2% year-on-year during the first four months of 2026. Customers spent an average of £492 on holidays between January and April this year, compared with £498 during the same period in 2025.
Concerns Over Iran and Fuel Costs
The poll of 2,000 adults found concerns linked to Iran and fuel costs are among the factors weighing on consumers' minds. Among those whose holiday plans have changed, 18% cited worries about Iran and the potential impact on fuel prices as a reason for not going away this year. More broadly, four in ten people (41%) said they feel cautious about booking holidays at present, while around a third are deliberately holding off or keeping their plans flexible.
Uncertain Backdrop for Travellers
The findings come at a time when holidaymakers are facing an uncertain backdrop. Any escalation of tensions in the Middle East risks pushing up oil prices, raising airline fuel costs and potentially feeding through into higher fares and holiday prices. At the same time, travellers remain alert to the possibility of disruption to international transport routes and wider geopolitical instability.
However, recent diplomatic signals from both the US and Iran have raised hopes that a wider conflict may yet be avoided, easing some concerns over global energy supplies and the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route through which a significant share of the world's oil passes.
Advice from Nationwide
Mark Nalder, payments director at Nationwide, said: "Our latest research shows that uncertainty this year is having a clear impact on people's holiday plans. It could also be we are seeing the rise of the 'delaycation' as many choose to delay booking holidays, while a growing number are cancelling plans or opting for UK staycations to keep a tighter grip on their finances and budgets. Quick transfer features and budgeting tools like those on our app can be a big help when balancing spending and manage money when plans change."
