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Nationwide reveals Brits destined for a summer of delaycations and staycations as global events impact plans

ended 12. June 2026

New research by Nationwide suggests 2026 summer holiday plans are being reshaped due to global uncertainty, with many opting to delay or cancel trips, stay in the UK or keep options open.

This is backed by Nationwide’s own spending data, which highlights a 1.2% fall in average holiday spending year on year. Customers spent an average of £498 on holidays between January and April last 2025, compared to £492 in the same period this year, reinforcing signs of more cautious consumer behaviour.

The poll of 2,000 people, conducted in May, found that almost a quarter (23%) say global events have already changed their holiday plans. Among those affected, the most common responses include delaying decisions (28%), increasing flexibility (22%) and booking UK holidays instead of travelling abroad (23%). Others are choosing cheaper trips (17%) or shorter breaks (16%), while some 15 per cent are cancelling holidays altogether (15%), or switching to day trips (15%).

Concerns linked to Iran and fuel costs are influencing decisions, with 18 per cent of those whose plans have changed saying this is a reason they are not going away this year. Overall nervousness remains high, with over four in 10 (41%) cautious about booking holidays and a third holding off or keeping plans flexible.

Mark Nalder, Payments Director at Nationwide, said: “Our latest research shows that uncertainty this year is having a clear impact on people’s holiday plans. It could also be we are seeing the rise of the ‘delaycation’ as many choose to delay booking holidays, while a growing number are cancelling plans or opting for UK staycations to keep a tighter grip on their finances and budgets. Quick transfer features and budgeting tools like those on our app can be a big help when balancing spending and manage money when plans change.”

  • What is your reaction to the research?
  • Have you noticed cautious consumer behaviour recently?
  • What are the reasons for this?

Responses asap.

3 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Samuel Mather-Holgate
Managing Director & IFA at Mather and Murray Financial
The findings are what we’re seeing on the ground. Households aren’t abandoning holidays altogether, but they are becoming far more cautious about when, where and how they spend. Many families are delaying bookings, looking for flexible cancellation policies and choosing UK breaks over expensive trips abroad.

Due to a combination of financial pressure and uncertainty. Even though inflation has eased from its peak, many households are still dealing with higher mortgage payments, elevated bills and stretched budgets. Add concerns about instability in the Middle East, potential increases in fuel costs and wider economic uncertainty, and it’s understandable that people are thinking twice before committing to a major holiday expense.

Consumers tend to retreat when confidence falls. Delaying reflects a desire to keep options open rather than make expensive commitments when unsure. For many families, protect finances is more of a priority than a summer getaway.
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Editor
Kate Allen
Owner at Finest Stays
We can absolutely see this pattern emerging across South Devon, like a steady incoming tide, gradually gathering momentum.

We're seeing strong year-on-year growth, with occupancy up 13.3%, recognised unit revenue up more than 25%, and average nightly rates increasing by 12.5%.

We're pacing ahead of this time last year across the board, suggesting that while some consumers may be delaying decisions or choosing UK staycations, Devon continues to benefit from resilient domestic demand.
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Leanne Hemingway
Owner at Dorset Cottage Holidays
The findings from Nationwide closely reflect what we are seeing across the UK holiday market. While demand for holidays remains strong, guests are becoming more considered in how and when they book. We have seen an increase in last-minute bookings, particularly for smaller properties and short breaks, suggesting that many people are keeping their options open and waiting longer before committing to travel plans. At the same time, larger properties are seeing longer lead times, indicating that guests are taking more time to plan and coordinate group holidays.

There is no doubt that wider economic and geopolitical uncertainty is influencing consumer behaviour. Rising fuel costs, ongoing global tensions and concerns about household budgets are encouraging travellers to seek greater flexibility and reassurance when booking. We have spoken to guests who have specifically mentioned fuel prices as a factor in their decision-making.