ABTA’s new Holiday Habits 2026-27 Report finds demand for holidays remained resilient despite the impact of conflict in the Middle East, new border processes and climate-related events.
The research reveals 88% of people went on holiday over the past 12 months, in line with the year before (87%), as was the average number of holidays people took (3.9).
There was an increase in the proportion of people taking holidays abroad, with 62% doing so this past 12 months, up from 59%.
Behind these headline figures the travel industry has experienced several challenges this past year. The impact of the conflict in the Middle East, and the introduction of the European Entry/Exit System, wildfires and extreme heat, have all affected people’s travel plans. Despite this, the desire to take a holiday remains strong.
Spain grows further in popularity
The number of people who said they visited Spain was up four percentage points (36%), increasing its lead as the most popular destination for UK travellers. According to ABTA members, this uptick is due to the impact of the Middle East conflict with people unable to transit through the region for some time and seeking a short haul alternative. Portugal (11%) also moved up one place in the top ten popularity ranking to sixth.
The resilience of holidays is also reflected in how confident people feel to travel, with ABTA’s Travel Confidence Index2 showing a score of +50. While this is slightly down on last year (+53), it has rebounded since May 2026 when confidence was at +26 due to disruption caused by the Middle East conflict and speculation about fuel availability and prices as well as the difficulties with the new European Entry/Exit System (EES).
Travellers seeking reassurance from travel professionals
The findings suggest that at times of uncertainty and disruption, more people book with a travel agent or tour operator. 38% booked an overseas holiday with a travel professional in the past 12 months, up from 34%, and rising the most among 18–24-year-olds, (six percentage points) to 35%.
Furthermore, 63% of those taking an overseas holiday booked a package, up two percentage points.
Value for money has been an increasing factor for why people booked with a travel professional (44%, up five percentage points on last year) and was the top reason why people chose a package holiday (48%, up from 43% last year).
Holiday spending ringfenced, but more caution creeping in as people are booking later
Travel intentions for the next 12 months overall remain steady, with 70% of adults planning to travel abroad and 56% planning a UK holiday.
ABTA’s data shows that while people are still committed to spending on holidays above other non-essentials, they are becoming more cost-conscious compared with the previous year as 32% said they would spend more on holidays next year, down from 34%.
Of the 15% who said they’d spend less (on par with last year), 52% said the increased cost of living was the main reason, up from 47%.
This caution is causing people to book late; while members report people booking holidays for next year and 2028, more people are booking closer to departure. ABTA’s data also shows (46%) of those planning an overseas trip have already booked something so far, down from 48%.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association, said: “We continue to love our holidays and the desire to travel remains strong; this looks set to continue despite the ease of getting away, for some, being affected by geopolitical and economic challenges. When times are uncertain, booking with an expert ABTA member gives holidaymakers added confidence. And, in a ‘value for money’ market, they are excellently placed to find people a fantastic holiday at a budget that works for them.”
