TL;DR
- UK travel confidence reached +53 in 2025, up 12 points since 2023
- Travellers who book with agents score 25 points higher on confidence (+78 vs +53)
- Package holiday bookers hit the highest confidence level at +80
- 25-34 year olds saw the biggest jump: up 19 points in just one year
- 87% of UK adults took holidays in 2024-25, the highest rate since before the pandemic
UK travellers are booking again, and feeling more confident about it than they have in years. The latest research reveals some fascinating patterns about who’s travelling, how they’re booking, and what’s making them feel good about their choices.
ABTA released its third annual Travel Confidence Index in early October, and the headline figure tells a compelling story. UK confidence to travel overseas now sits at +53, up from +47 last year and +41 when the index launched in 2023. That’s a 12-point climb in two years, suggesting something meaningful is changing in how people think about holidays.
But here’s where it gets interesting. The research shows that how you book your holiday seems to matter more than anything else when it comes to feeling confident about your trip.
The Confidence Connection
Travellers who booked with a professional scored +78 on the confidence index, while those who chose package holidays reached +80. Both are significantly higher than the overall market. That’s a 25 to 27-point difference, which researchers describe as statistically significant.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s Chief Executive, commented on the findings: “It’s encouraging to see that booking with an ABTA member continues to be rated essential or important by 75% of people to give them confidence to travel. This is testament to the work of ABTA members in making sure their customers are advised, informed and prepared to have an amazing holiday.”
The research identified several factors that build traveller confidence. 71% of respondents cited “having correct travel documents” as essential, 58% emphasised “ability to get home if needed,” and 75% rated booking with an ABTA member as essential or important.
Young Travellers Leading the Way
Perhaps the most striking finding is the confidence surge among younger age groups. The 25-34 demographic saw a 19-point increase year-over-year, jumping from +60 in 2024 to +79 in 2025. The 18-24 group also rose 9 points to +57, while the 45-54 age bracket climbed 16 points to +50.
This represents a notable change from before the pandemic. Research shows that 48% of 18-24 year olds now book with professionals, compared to 26% in 2019. Among young families, the figure reaches 55%.
Katie Bower, a UK travel industry consultant, observed in January: “41% of customers say they feel more confident booking with a professional who can tailor their experiences. Younger travellers in particular value expert guidance in a world of overwhelming online options.”
What Families Are Looking For
Families scored +71 on the confidence index in 2025, up from +62 the previous year. With 87% of UK adults taking holidays in 2024-25, the highest participation rate since before the pandemic, family travel is experiencing strong momentum.
The research reveals that families particularly value ease of booking and coordination, having someone available to help if issues arise, clear upfront pricing, and financial protection through schemes like ATOL.
ABTA’s Holiday Habits report shows 76% of families chose package holidays in 2024, up from 74% the previous year, with many citing the appeal of knowing total costs in advance.
The Package Holiday Renaissance
Package holidays are experiencing renewed popularity, with bookers in this category recording the highest confidence score of +80. ABTA’s research shows that ready-made packages (requiring no customisation) increased from 51% to 56% of all package bookings between 2024 and 2025.
Several factors appear to be driving this trend. 44% cite “best value for price,” reflecting price certainty in an inflationary environment. ATOL financial protection has become more valued following several travel company closures in 2024-25. 38% appreciate that “everything is taken care of,” saving time and reducing planning stress.
Chris Tate, Head of Travel at RSM UK, noted: “Holidays remain a priority for many and demand in 2025 looks set to increase with more holidaymakers planning longer overseas holidays and short breaks. Real wages continue to rise, and with interest rates starting to fall, pressure on household finances is beginning to ease.”
Worth Knowing About the Economic Picture
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, travel is holding its position as a spending priority. Deloitte’s Consumer Tracker for Q2 2025 found that 59% of UK adults plan to take an overseas holiday in 2025, the highest intent since their survey began in 2011. Additionally, 53% expect to spend more than in previous years.
KPMG’s Consumer Spending Report identified holidays as the number one big-ticket spending priority for summer 2025, with 32% of consumers planning holiday expenditure. The report noted: “A significant share of consumers plan to prioritise holidays in 2025, making it the top big-ticket category. This highlights the continued appeal of experience-led spending, even in the face of economic uncertainty.”
Earlier research from Skift and Tripadvisor showed that 95% of travellers said they would adjust spending in other areas to protect their travel budgets, a pattern that appears to be holding true in 2025.
Changing Travel Behaviours
The research reveals several notable patterns in how UK travellers are approaching their bookings.
Booking Timing: Two distinct patterns are emerging. Families and retirees tend to book 6-12 months ahead for peak season windows, while younger travellers and couples often book 2-6 weeks out for shoulder season or spontaneous trips.
Solo Travel Growth: Research indicates 76% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers are more likely to travel solo, with LATA noting a “growing appetite for experiential, adventure, and sustainable travel, especially among younger and solo travellers.”
Priority Concerns: After the pandemic, travellers are showing heightened awareness of document requirements (passport validity, visas, entry systems like the new EES), health and safety standards at accommodations, financial protection and ability to get home if needed, and local conditions and welcoming environments.
What the Numbers Tell Us
The data paints a picture of a travel market in transition. Overall UK adult booking through professionals rose from 34% in 2023 to 38% in 2024, representing steady growth across demographics.
18-24 year olds nearly doubled their agent booking rate from 26% in 2019 to 48% in 2024. Baby Boomers maintain a 58% preference for booking with professionals, while young families show 55% preference.
ABTA’s Graeme Buck commented in 2024: “It’s encouraging to see that the nation’s overall confidence to travel is up, and up significantly among certain groups. It’s also brilliant to see that booking with a professional continues to foster such high levels of confidence too.”
What Lies Ahead?
With participation rates at post-pandemic highs and confidence climbing across age groups, the UK travel market appears to be on solid footing heading into 2026. The movement toward booking methods that provide reassurance, protection, and expertise suggests that travellers are prioritising peace of mind alongside price and destination choice.
As Mark Tanzer noted: “A core purpose of ABTA is to help people travel with confidence. We introduced the Travel Confidence Index both to help our understanding of consumer sentiment in travel and to identify the most effective actions that the industry can take collectively to build consumer confidence, so it’s encouraging to see that the UK’s overall confidence to travel overseas continues its upwards trend.”
For UK travellers planning trips in the months ahead, the research suggests three clear patterns: confidence is rising, professional guidance is valued more than ever, and package holidays are experiencing a meaningful comeback.
Agent Advantage Insight
When clients express hesitation about booking now, these confidence statistics provide a helpful conversation starter. The 25-point confidence difference between agent bookings and self-booking speaks to the real value of professional support in today’s travel landscape.
