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YouGov research commissioned by Immediate indicates UK holidaymakers plan to increase travel spending in 2026, with over-55s expected to take the most trips and a large share of travellers building holidays around personal interests.
The survey of 2,087 UK adults examined travel plans and preferences for 2026, including spending intentions, preferred types of trip and the extent to which interests shape destination choices.
It found that most people expect to keep travel budgets at 2025 levels despite pressure on household finances. A sizeable minority plan to spend more across both longer and shorter breaks.
According to the data, 26% of respondents said they would spend more on longer trips in 2026 than in 2025. Another 18% said they would spend more on shorter trips.
Older travellers
The results indicate a significant role for older consumers in shaping travel demand. The survey describes over-55s as leading a travel surge in 2026, with that age group planning to take the most holidays.
The poll also tracked attitudes to spending on experiences versus leaving money as an inheritance. It found that 55% of respondents would rather spend money on shared family experiences than leave a larger inheritance.
Among parents, the sentiment appeared stronger. The research said 68% of parents feel comfortable prioritising spending on themselves and shared family experiences rather than leaving more money behind.
The survey also asked adults aged 55 and over about feelings of guilt regarding luxury travel. It reported that 48% of respondents aged 55 and over reported feeling guilt-free when treating themselves to luxury holidays and experiences rather than spending time with their family, whereas 13% reported feeling guilty.
Passion-led trips
Interest-based travel emerged as a central theme across age groups. The research said 70% of people plan holidays based on their personal interests and passions.
The survey also looked at how early those interests influence decisions. It found that 43% choose holiday destinations that align with their interests from the outset of planning.
When respondents selected types of interest-led travel they planned for 2026, history and heritage ranked first. The research said 54% of those interested in passion-led holidays planned history and heritage trips.
Food and drink experiences ranked second, with 31% planning such a trip. Gardening or nature-focused trips followed on 27%.
"The survey findings clearly show that holidays and passion-led pursuits are non-negotiables for the majority of people. What we see across all age groups is that an appreciation of the here and now, and an unashamed enjoyment of life, is something we all have in common," said Ed Grenby, Radio Times Travel Editor, Immediate.
Trip formats
In addition to travel motivations, the research asked respondents to identify the most appealing types of breaks from a list of options. City breaks ranked highest on 57%.
Beach holidays followed on 42%. All-inclusive holidays ranked third on 37%.
One context for those preferences sits in the combination of short journey times from the UK to major European cities and the availability of warm-weather destinations. The data also indicates that travellers continue to value straightforward formats such as all-inclusive breaks.
"Cities are like living museums, so it's no surprise that city breaks are the most appealing category, and that history and heritage comes out as the most popular source of inspiration for passion-led trips," said Grenby. "With so many city destinations and European hubs of gastronomy and culture just an hour or two away, we really are spoilt for choice. As people seek sunnier climates in the darker months and maximise relaxation time over meticulous itineraries, the popularity of beach holidays and all-inclusive experiences also endures."
The findings add to a growing body of consumer research that places experiences at the centre of discretionary spending choices. The survey suggests that travel remains a priority line in household planning for a large portion of the population, even when other categories come under pressure.
The pattern of demand also highlights potential segmentation opportunities for the travel industry. The results show strong interest in themed breaks, as well as a cohort of older travellers who expect to take more holidays and express comfort spending on higher-cost trips and experiences.
The survey results indicate that, in this market, destination choice, itinerary, and trip type are closely linked to interests in history, food, and nature. The company stated that city breaks, beach holidays, and all-inclusive remain the leading formats for UK travellers in 2026.