Easter 2025 travel plans: Who’s travelling, where they're going, and what they’ll spend

While Christmas and summer are well-established pillars of the UK holiday calendar, Easter often flies under the radar—falling between major travel seasons and receiving less attention from both travellers and the travel industry. But with the holiday offering a long weekend and aligning with school breaks, it remains a valuable window for travel planning. To explore how Britons are approaching Easter 2025, YouGov Surveys: Serviced conducted a nationally representative poll of UK adults. The findings offer early insight into who’s planning to travel, where they’re going, and how much they expect to spend—just a week ahead of the Easter break.

Overall, 19% intend to take a holiday within the UK, while just 8% say they’ll be heading abroad. Younger adults (aged 18–24 and 25–34) are significantly more likely to travel: 39% of 18–24s and 38% of 25–34s say they plan to go away, compared to just 18% of those aged 55 and older.

The intention to travel over Easter is higher among women (71%), versus 64% of men.

Travel budgets expected to rise for some

Among those who did travel during Easter last year, nearly one-third (33%) expect to spend more this year. This figure rises to 39% among 25–34s, with 17% expecting to spend much more. In contrast, just 22% of those aged between 45-54 say they will spend more than last year.

Only 13% of all respondents anticipate spending less on Easter travel in 2025, while 24% expect to spend about the same.

City breaks, countryside getaways, and beach holidays are top choices

Among those planning to travel this Easter, popular destination types include city breaks (27%), countryside retreats (27%), and beach holidays (26%). Preferences vary sharply by age group — 43% of 25–34s are planning a city break, compared to just 13% of those aged 55+. The same younger group also leads in planning beach holidays (39%) and family-friendly resort visits (34%).

The leading motivation is visiting family or friends (40%). This reason is especially common among younger adults aged 18–24 (48%). Other top reasons include taking advantage of the long weekend (29%) and the convenience of school holidays (27%), particularly among 35–44s (42%).

Only 7% cite religious or cultural reasons for travelling, and 14% say they travel to avoid summer holiday crowds.

Planning timelines for Easter holidays vary, but many respondents report making decisions relatively late. Fewer than one in ten (9%) plan during the week of travel, and 12% decide two weeks before. A combined 49% of people say they plan at least one to three months ahead.

How much are they expecting to spend?

Over four in ten expect to spend less than £500 on their Easter holiday. Specifically, 27% expect to spend under £200, and 18% between £200–£500. Younger adults (18–24s) are most likely to say they don’t know how much they’ll spend (36%).

High-end budgets are rare with 4% expecting to spend between £2,001 - £4,000 and 2% expecting to spend more than £4,000.

Cost is king when choosing a destination

When asked what factors influence their choice of Easter destination, 64% of UK adults point to cost and affordability, making it the most important consideration. This is particularly important to those aged 35–44 (73%). Other key factors include weather and climate (43%) and ease of travel (43%).

One in three travellers say their plans are shaped by visiting someone they know (34%), and 23% consider the availability of family-friendly activities. Around 15% are motivated by special Easter events or festivals.

Methodology: YouGov Surveys: Serviced provides quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online on 2-3 April 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 2,057 adults in the United Kingdom (aged 18+ years), using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by age, gender, education and region to be representative of all adults. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Serviced.

Image: Getty Images