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Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Brits overspend by £2,200 on holidays they can't afford - just to keep up with pals
A survey of 2,000 UK adults has shown the extent to which young Brits feel pressure to live a lifestyle they can't afford - with holidays being a key pressure point. Over half of young Brits are splurging on holidays they can't afford, all in the name of keeping up appearances. A fresh study from First Choice unveils the extent to which young Brits feel the pressure to maintain a lifestyle beyond their means. A staggering 58 per cent have spent money they don't have on picture-perfect getaways. Almost four in ten (39 per cent) acknowledge a clear wealth gap between themselves and their wealthier mates, with a significant 57 per cent having struggled to keep pace with friends who earn more than they do. While a whopping 83 per cent have thought about turning down trips due to the cost, 71 per cent feel compelled to embark on journeys they simply can't afford. However, the holidays keep coming – with Gen Z and Millennials expected to shell out for an average of SEVEN holidays a year, with 57 per cent feeling embarrassed that they couldn't afford trips their friends and family are taking, reports the Daily Star. An additional 38 per cent feel disheartened seeing holiday plans unfold on a group WhatsApp chat, knowing they simply can't afford to join. A massive 73 per cent confess that capturing content for social media is the first thing they think about when planning a holiday, so it's no shock that on average, Gen Z exceed their holiday budget by £2,200. A quarter (25 per cent) have ended up paying well over the odds for access to exclusive beach clubs, while 23 per cent have purchased holiday outfits that have left them penniless. A whopping 90 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed admitted that documenting their lives is a generational expectation, with an average of 20 minutes spent on capturing the perfect shot. Alarmingly, 43 per cent have resorted to using a credit card to fund a holiday, while the same percentage have dipped into their savings. A further 18 per cent have used their student loan, and 14 per cent have taken out a loan to cover the cost of pricey holidays. A tenth (11 per cent) have felt like the 'poor' friend in their social circle. First Choice, however, offers all-inclusive holidays designed for real friends and real budgets, ensuring everyone can enjoy a fantastic getaway without financial strain or compromise. Kevin Nelson, MD of First Choice, commented: "Our research highlights a real struggle young Brits face in trying to balance their social aspirations with financial realities. First Choice is here to redefine the group holiday experience, demonstrating that you absolutely can have that incredible, shared adventure – full of fun and amazing memories – without compromising your bank balance." With group trips to Turkey from £185pp, Corfu from £185pp Mallorca from £259pp, and Rhodes from £421, Ibiza from £497pp, – First Choice has a range of cost-effective all-inclusive trips and villas. For a comprehensive range of group holiday options, all-inclusive price packages and experiences, visit here. Gen Z's top Insta holiday snaps. 1. Cocktail at Golden Hour 30 per cent. 2. The Airport Pint 27 per cent. 3. The dinner table spread 23 per cent. 4. Walking into the sea 22 per cent. 5. Classic mirror selfie in hotel lift 20 per cent. 6. The Gelato Close-Up 19 per cent. 7. Showing off your #booktok by the pool 18 per cent. 8. Feet (or Toes) by the Pool Shot 17 per cent. 9. The Dramatic Cliff or Mountain Pose 16 per cent. 10. Suitcase packed and ready to go 15 per cent. 11. Fancy "Dinner by the Sea" snap 13 per cent. 12. Infinity Pool + Distant Mountains 13 per cent. 13. A Local Beer Pic 13 per cent. 14. Standing in the sea with wet hair 13 per cent. 15. Aesthetic shot of your beach bag 12 per cent. 16. Wandering through winding streets 11 per cent. 17. The holiday manicure 11 per cent. 18. Sunburn Selfie (Accidental or Brag) 10 per cent. 19. Boat Trip + hair in the wind shot 10 per cent. 20. The Floating Breakfast in a Pool (Bali Version) 9 per cent.
Wales Online
13-08-2025
- Wales Online
Why young people are taking holidays they can't afford
Why young people are taking holidays they can't afford Some are overspending by £2,200 More than half of young people say they have booked a holiday they can't afford to keep up with richer friends. A new study from First Choice, found 58 per cent have spent more on a holiday than they should. 83 per cent have considered declining trips due to the cost but 71 per cent feel obliged to go on trips they don't have the cash for. Gen Z and Millennials expect to fork out for an average of seven holidays a year, with 57 per cent feeling embarrassed they couldn't afford trips their friends and family are going on. Article continues below A further 38 per cent feel upset seeing holiday plans unfold on a group WhatsApp chat knowing they simply can't afford to go. 73 per cent admit capturing content for socials is the first thing they think about when they plan a holiday - on average, Gen Z go over budget on holiday by £2,200. Kevin Nelson, MD of First Choice said: 'Our research highlights a real struggle young Brits face in trying to balance their social aspirations with financial realities.'
North Wales Live
13-08-2025
- North Wales Live
Why young people are taking holidays they can't afford
More than half of young people say they have booked a holiday they can't afford to keep up with richer friends. A new study from First Choice, found 58 per cent have spent more on a holiday than they should. 83 per cent have considered declining trips due to the cost but 71 per cent feel obliged to go on trips they don't have the cash for. Gen Z and Millennials expect to fork out for an average of seven holidays a year, with 57 per cent feeling embarrassed they couldn't afford trips their friends and family are going on. A further 38 per cent feel upset seeing holiday plans unfold on a group WhatsApp chat knowing they simply can't afford to go. 73 per cent admit capturing content for socials is the first thing they think about when they plan a holiday - on average, Gen Z go over budget on holiday by £2,200. Kevin Nelson, MD of First Choice said: 'Our research highlights a real struggle young Brits face in trying to balance their social aspirations with financial realities.'
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Sten-dos' are taking over traditional stag and hen dos
A new survey has revealed that nearly three-quarters (73%) of Brits believe traditional stag and hen dos are outdated, with the majority of people saying they would prefer to celebrate with all their friends together Strip clubs, novelty and L-plates on stag and hen-dos are becoming extinct as joint send-offs surge in popularity. Fresh research reveals younger generations are ditching traditional bachelor and bachelorette-style festivities. Instead, "sten-dos" - a combined stag and hen celebration - are rising in trend as couples-to-be enjoy their final nights of being single together. A whopping 73% of Brits declared the old-fashioned pre-wedding bashes were now old two-thirds of invitees admitted fabricating excuses to dodge attending one, reports the Daily Star. The First Choice study discovered 85% of Gen Z would rather party with all their mates together instead of splitting into single-sex groups. Roughly 83% would contemplate a package or all-inclusive break to slash expenses, with latest statistics showing guests fork out an eye-watering £538 for stag and hen celebrations. Kevin Nelson, the managing director of First Choice, commented: "While the concept of a 'Sten do' has been around for some time, recent years have seen significant growth in the trend of mixed-sex friendship groups, going away to celebrate a couple's nuptials in a more wholesome way. "At First Choice, we believe in creating the perfect trip for you, whether that's sprawling self-serve villas, serene spa hotels to vibrant city breaks with culinary adventures – we can package together your flights, accommodation and all of the amazing stuff you do while you're there at a great price to ensure every couple can celebrate their own way." Freelance Beauty and Fashion PR specialist, Jade, shared her own sten do experience in the Lake District. She said: "Forget the usual L-plates and pub crawls – my recent 'sten do' redefined pre-nuptial celebrations, proving that combining Stag and Hen parties can lead to a truly unique, cost-effective, and deeply connected experience."
Extra.ie
30-04-2025
- Extra.ie
Gen Z men call time on the wild and boozy 'lads holiday'
It could be welcome news for chaps who prefer their breaks calm and relaxing rather than boozy and raucous. The 'lads holiday' – involving drinking to excess in an all-male group before returning home to find yourself in trouble with your partner – seems to be heading into the sunset. In a survey, 65% of younger men declared that such boozy breaks are outdated, and 69% said the prospect of going on one filled them with fear. Pic: Getty Images Some 53% admitted routinely making up excuses to get out of going, and as many as 81% feel pressured to act macho, while 66% struggle to keep up with the excessive partying. Feeling forced to drink more than usual, spending cash you don't have and knowing your partner hates you being away all add to the apprehension. In fact, 47% confess they would much rather go for a nice meal with their friends, attend a gig (33%) or simply go on a walking trip (24%). The survey of 2,000 Generation Z and Millennial men, commissioned by tour operator First Choice, suggests it takes an average of three days on an all-male holiday before it all becomes too much. Pic: Mariia Siurtukova / Getty Images One in six (15%) respondents said that a boys' break always ends up in chaos, while 14% would rather spend their money on a more relaxing type of trip. According to the study, it takes up to five days to physically recover from excessive drinking and six days to recover mentally. As a result, more than half (57%) admit they struggle with 'hang-xiety' – typically feelings of anxiety or panic after drinking, which can include racing thoughts and a regret about what happened while under the influence – after a boy's break. Pic: Shutterstock Other things which routinely happen on male-only trips include missed flights (24%), regrettable tattoos (20%), lost passports (16%), and even crying (14%). As a result, 65% say they have thought they are too old for these holidays, while 70% think the traditional 'lads' holiday' is now a thing of the past. Kevin Nelson of First Choice said: 'No one should feel pressured into being someone they're not on holiday or living up to outdated norms at the expense of their mental health. 'A lads' trip should be about fun, friendship, bonding and making memories. It's time to call for 'better boys' trips' – holidays that are about choice, authenticity, and having fun on your own terms.'
