New research has lifted the lid on Brits holiday-booking habits, with package holidays surging in popularity across generations and over half of Brits (57%) saying they’d now consider booking a solo package.

Although Millennials and Gen X lead the charge in embracing package holidays, generational data shows that almost two-fifths (38%) of Gen Z are now more likely to book this type of holiday compared to five years ago, citing cost efficiency (60%), ease of booking (56%) and peace of mind (38%) as their top reasons for booking.

The research also reveals a ‘generation gap’ in how far in advance we plan our holidays- with Gen Z preferring to lock in trips less than 12 weeks before departure, in stark contrast to older generations who prefer to book up to five months in advance.

The factors driving younger Gen Z travellers’ demand for last-minute trips are looking for cost-saving budget hacks (36%), wanting a mental health reset (31%) and giving themselves a hit of dopamine-fuelled spontaneity (26%).

Gen X, meanwhile, are locking in trips at least five months ahead, with budgets (52%), availability of their travel partner (33%) and a preference for planning (24%) influencing how far in advance they prefer to book.

Average booking times across generations are revealed as:

Gen Z – 11.5 weeks in advance

Millennials – 3 months in advance

Gen X – 5 months in advance

Baby Boomers – 4 months in advance

Across all generations, the desire to take more frequent trips is rising, with a third (32%) of Brits now taking 3 or more trips a year.  Furthermore, almost a quarter (23%) of Gen Z and Millennials share a preference for shorter, more frequent trips, with easyJet Holidays data showing the average vacation lasts 6.7 days.

The research reveals how the rise in holiday bookings also reflects a broader lifestyle shift. Brits are prioritising regular travel as a way to spend quality time with friends and family (48%), relax and unwind (44%) and prioritise personal wellbeing and mental health (38%).

Top 10 motivations for booking a holiday last minute:

1.    Budget hacks and last-minute deals (32%)

2.    Spontaneity (26%)

3.    Work schedules (21%)

4.    Mental health reset (20%)

5.    Flexible mindset (17%)

6.    Decision fatigue (12%)

7.    Instant gratification (11%)

8.    Celebrating wins (9%)

9.    Short lead times (8%)

10. FOMO (4%)

Paul Bixby, Chief Commercial Officer at easyJet Holidays, said: “At easyJet Holidays, we’re committed to providing package holiday options that suit the needs of all our customers, and this latest research highlights a fascinating shift in how people are choosing to travel.

“More Brits than ever are opting for package holidays because of their convenience and reliability, but we’re seeing generational habits vary more than ever – from early planners to spontaneous adventurers. That’s why we offer a wide range of booking options and holiday types, with brilliant last-minute deals as well as packages departing right up to March 2027.”