Guides
UK Holiday Budget Guide — What To Actually Spend
7 min read · Published 2 June 2026
Most holiday overspend comes from underestimating the 'extras' — transfers, food, spending money, insurance. Here are the real UK averages by trip type.
Advertisement
European city break, 3 nights, 2 people
Flights: £220 · Hotel: £360 · Food: £180 · Transport & entry: £90 · Buffer: £100. Total ~£950.
Beach package, 7 nights, family of four
Package: £2,400 · Spending money: £600 · Transfers & car parking: £120 · Insurance: £45. Total ~£3,165.
Advertisement
Long-haul, 10 nights, 2 people
Flights: £1,400 · Hotel: £1,600 · Food & activities: £900 · Insurance & extras: £120. Total ~£4,020.
Booking tactics
Fly Tuesday afternoon out of a UK hub for the cheapest fares.
Book flights 8–12 weeks out for Europe, 16–24 for long-haul.
Use a fee-free travel debit card (Chase, Starling, Monzo).
Take action
Turn this into your own plan.
The savings planner will personalise these numbers to your income and target date — free, no sign-up.
Open the planner →Keep reading
Advertisement