### British Travellers Face Soaring Holiday Costs in Spain, Turkey and Beyond
Holidaymakers from the UK have been hit with fresh warnings over the surging cost of package holidays to some of their most popular destinations, including Spain and Turkey. New data has revealed that family getaways to these favoured hotspots are now significantly pricier than in previous years, reflecting a wider trend of rising international travel expenses.
Figures compiled by travel industry experts and reported by the BBC paint a concerning picture for those planning to escape abroad this summer. Spain, long regarded as one of the top choices for British tourists, has seen a notable increase in the cost of package holidays. Average prices for a week-long stay in Spain during August have risen from £835 per person to £914. Other destinations, such as Turkey and Cyprus, have been similarly affected, with Cyprus witnessing a 23 percent hike – moving from £950 to a substantial £1,166.
The pattern extends across the Mediterranean, with Greece also experiencing a jump in average price, moving from £926 to £1,038. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates tops the list for holiday price inflation, reflecting a 26 percent rise, from £1,210 to £1,525 per person for a week’s stay.
Despite this broad trend of escalating costs, a handful of destinations have bucked the rise. Italy, unexpectedly, has seen package prices lowered by 11 percent, while holidays to Tunisia are down by 4 percent – a modest relief for budget-conscious travellers seeking alternatives.
The travel industry has attributed these price rises to a range of global financial pressures. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, explained that factors such as soaring energy costs, increasing food prices, and higher payrolls across the hospitality sector are all contributing to more expensive holidays. These factors are not unique to the UK market, representing a global inflationary trend that continues to challenge both businesses and consumers.
In her comments to the BBC, Ms Lo Bue-Said also pointed to a resilient demand for holidays among UK travellers. She noted that many customers are still willing to spend more, often opting for premium offerings such as all-inclusive resorts or upgrading to higher-class flight seats, particularly for long-haul destinations like Dubai.
Further insight comes from consumer advocacy group Which?, as editor Rory Boland explained that the strong demand for foreign travel remains, despite the cost of living crisis. He highlighted that wages in the UK have generally continued to outpace inflation, allowing many households to justify holiday spending even as prices go up. This, he suggested, is sustaining the demand that is partly fuelling continued price hikes.
Which? further advises that those determined to enjoy a summer getaway should consider booking well in advance to lock in the best rates. “Booking early is almost always your best chance of securing the best rate,” said Boland, adding that families might find extra value by looking at the tail end of the summer holiday period, often the cheapest time for a peak season escape.
As British travellers weigh up their options for summer 2025, these trends may encourage some to look for lesser-known destinations or to book outside the traditional high season. While the lure of sandy beaches in Spain, Turkey and Greece remains strong, tightening budgets may prompt many to reconsider their holiday habits.
The travel industry, meanwhile, appears optimistic that the UK’s appetite for foreign travel will persist, with operators adapting to shifting market conditions and consumer preferences. For British families, however, holiday planning may now require careful research and consideration to avoid being caught out by rising costs.
As the season progresses, many will be watching to see if the demand for holidays remains as robust as industry leaders suggest, or if the mounting expenses cause some to stay closer to home. Either way, the message from industry insiders is clear: early planning and flexibility are likely to be key in finding value this summer.