A new study by Premier Inn has explored Brits’ home and holiday budgets to reveal 2 in 5 of us regularly go beyond our holiday budgets, spending an average of £370 more than planned pre-trip.
The ‘girl math’ trend on TikTok has highlighted people who rationalisespending habits that are considered ‘unnecessary ’or ‘extravagant,’ such as spending extra to qualify for free shipping. But does this logic extend to holiday purchases? A new survey of over 1,000 Brits indicates that it does- particularly for Gen Z – in a phenomenon dubbed ‘holiday maths’.
According to the survey, more than half (54%) of 16-24s say that if they purchase tickets to tourist attractions months in advance, the visit feels free, while more than half (51%) say that spending at the airport doesn’tcount as part of their holiday expenses. More than a third (35%) even went as far as to say that if they aren’t able to work out the currency conversion, they feel like the purchase doesn’t count as part of their holiday spending.
However, this isn’t to say that other generations don’t also employ similar logic: more than half (51%) of 25-to-34-year-olds agreed that if they have cash in a different currency, they feel they need to spend it before the holiday ends, and that making these purchases feels ‘free’. The same generation said that they feel like they’re losing money if an item is significantly cheaper abroad and they don’t purchase more units of it.
One thing that all generations seemed to agree on is that the tourist favourite ‘hop-on hop-off’ buses feel cheaper than using a taxi or rideshare, due to the ability to use it multiple times, with two thirds (66%) of people sharing this sentiment.
Premier Inn’s study also looked at which UK residents are most likely to overspend on their holidays. Those in Brighton are most likely to splurge, with more than half (51%) saying they typically spend more than planned. Those in Edinburgh follow closely behind in second (50%), with Leeds residents in third (42%).
UK cities most likely to go over their holiday budget
| Rank | City | % who said they typically go over their holiday budget |
| 1 | Brighton | 51% |
| 2 | Edinburgh | 50% |
| 3 | Leeds | 42% |
| 4 | Glasgow | 41% |
| 5 | Bristol | 41% |
| 6 | Southampton | 41% |
| 7 | London | 41% |
| 8 | Liverpool | 41% |
| 9 | Manchester | 39% |
| 10 | Nottingham | 38% |
| 11 | Birmingham | 37% |
| 12 | Cardiff | 36% |
| 13 | Sheffield | 33% |
| 14 | Newcastle | 29% |
| 15 | Plymouth | 21% |
UK cities most likely to overspend on holiday meals compared to at home
The survey also looked at how much the average person spends on various food staples while on holiday versus at home. This includes a restaurant breakfast, lunch and dinner, cocktails, ice cream and sandwiches.
Overall, those in Cardiff increase their spending most while on holiday,with an extra 31% on average on food. Bristolians followed in second (23%), with those from Edinburgh in third (23%).
On the flip side, residents of Newcastle are more likely to indulge at home, while those based in Plymouth are consistent budgeters, spending the exact same on the items analysed, no matter where they are.
| Rank | City | Average percentage increase in food* spending when on holiday vs at home |
| 1 | Cardiff | 31% |
| 2 | Bristol | 23% |
| 3 | Edinburgh | 23% |
| 4 | Birmingham | 17% |
| 5 | Leeds | 15% |
| 6 | Manchester | 15% |
| 7 | Sheffield | 14% |
| 8 | Southampton | 13% |
| 9 | Liverpool | 11% |
| 10 | London | 11% |
| 11 | Brighton | 9% |
| 12 | Nottingham | 6% |
| 13 | Glasgow | 6% |
| 14 | Plymouth | 0% |
| 15 | Newcastle | -1% |
*Based on typical spend on a breakfast, lunch and dinner at a restaurant, a cocktail, an ice cream, a sandwich.
A spokesperson from Premier Inn commented: “Holidays are a highlight of the year for many, and after saving to make trips possible, it’sonly natural that people want to enjoy these experiences to the fullest by splashing out on a few treats that they wouldn’t normally. However, it’sinteresting that so many people try to ‘rationalise’ their spending on these trips – we all deserve a treat now and again, so shouldn’t feel guilty about spending a little more on ourselves!
“That being said, there are definitely tricks for making your budget go a little further – from staying in locations that are walkable or with good public transport to avoid spending your hard-saved money on taxis, to finding the local hidden gem restaurants away from the tourist trails that may be a bit more affordable. Thinking about the elements of a trip that are most important to you will also help you to apportion your spending in a savvierway too.”
For further findings from the study and tips on how to budget while on holiday, visit: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/news/2024/holiday-maths.html
