Holidays: The coming summer, summarised

UK travellers seek out travel experts and opt for short-haul trips following the conflict in the Middle East

• 31% of UK adults say they are more likely to book with a travel professional following the conflict in the Middle East
• 84% of those planning a holiday abroad are opting for a short-haul summer when travelling in the coming months
• Extremely last-minute bookings expected for summer, with 30% saying they’ll book 2-4 weeks before travel

New research¹ out today from ABTA - The Travel Association, has revealed how the conflict in the Middle East has re-shaped how and when people book their holidays, showing that they are more likely to be booking via a travel professional (travel agent and tour operator).

Nearly a third (31%)² of UK adults said they are more likely than before the current conflict in the Middle East to book with a travel professional. The most common reasons why are their ‘knowledge’ at 53%, ‘expertise’ at 44%, and ‘wanting the security of a package holiday’ at 41%.

Additionally, 27% of people are more likely to book a package holiday than before the current conflict in the Middle East. Having everything taken care of (52%) and the right to a refund or replacement if the holiday can no longer be provided (48%) were the most common reasons why, followed by value for money (38%).

Where are people taking their holidays this summer?

The conflict in the Middle East had a significant impact on travel, initially causing flight delays, cancellations and advice not to travel. The impact continues, with many routes to or travelling through the Middle East cancelled and not yet reinstated, with travel professionals seeking alternative routes or offering different destinations so people can achieve the holidays they want. 

Following the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) recently updated travel advice to some countries within the Gulf easing previous restrictions, demand for travel to or through the region is expected to rise in the coming months. However, for the summer, there remain reduced flight options to or through the region, meaning many people are planning a short-haul summer.

Of all those planning to take a holiday abroad over the next 12 months, 84%³ said they are planning to travel to Europe.

Spain leads the way as the top holiday destination for 38% of those considering a holiday abroad this summer. Italy and France round out the top three destinations being considered, with 23% and 19% respectively of those planning a trip this summer looking to travel there. 

Despite short haul proving popular this summer, appetite to travel long-haul to destinations further afield remains. 13% plan to holiday in the USA, 6% Australia and 6% Japan all making the Top 10 most popular destinations.  

Will people be booking their summer holidays last minute? 

The impact of the conflict is also influencing booking habits, with more travellers opting for last-minute bookings, as they wait to see what happens with prices and the wider cost of living.

Of those thinking about going on holiday abroad over the 2026 summer period, 30% of UK adults are leaving booking until 2-4 weeks before planned departure. A further 10% intend to book less than two weeks in advance of travelling. 

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive Officer of ABTA, said: 

“While global events are influencing how people plan and book their holidays, and where they go, our appetite to travel abroad this summer and beyond continues to be strong.

“People are determined to get away, and the UK’s travel agents and tour operators are expertly placed to help them access the best deals and understand the latest travel advice. With so many people saying they will book late, our advice is to get ahead of the pack and arrange your holiday now to avoid any last-minute rush.”

Discover more about ABTA here. 

For further information, please contact abtagroup@leopardco.com or 0121 812 0250

Notes to editors

¹Figures refer to ABTA’s survey carried out by The Nursery Research and Planning (www.the-nursery.net) with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults. The survey took place between 8th May 2026 and 19th May 2026.

² Of those who were considering a holiday in the next 12 months.

³ Of all those considering a holiday abroad between May and September 2026, where are they planning on visiting in the next 12 months.

Most popular destinations of all those considering a holiday abroad this summer

Base: all taking a holiday abroad May-September 2026, data shows intended destinations over the next 12 months

About ABTA

ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 3,500 travel brands in membership who have a combined annual UK turnover of over £41 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.

Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.

All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com