Priced Out of Paradise: Why Holidays Are Slipping Further from Young People’s Reach

Remember when going abroad felt like a rite of passage? That buzz of catching a flight, sun on your face, Insta-ready outfits packed, and a week of escapism on a beach in Spain or Cyprus?

Well… hold that thought. Because in 2025, it’s starting to feel more like a luxury few young people can afford.

New stats show that all-inclusive family holidays from the UK are surging in price, with hotspots like Spain, Turkey, and Cyprus seeing major cost hikes. A week in Cyprus this August now averages £1,166 per person — that’s up a whopping 23% from last year. And if you were dreaming of Dubai vibes? The UAE leads the price rise game with a 26% jump — now costing £1,525 per person for a seven-night stay.

So, what does this mean for young people?

When “Work Hard, Play Hard” Doesn’t Add Up

For most of us, holidays are more than just sunbeds and cocktails. They’re a break from the grind. A reward for the hustle. Whether it’s celebrating the end of exams, bonding with family, or taking that much-needed mental health break — holidays represent freedom.

But now, many young people are having to choose between rent and rest, between paying for groceries or passport stamps.

And this isn’t just a sob story — it’s a reality for millions across the UK. Especially for young people from working-class and multicultural backgrounds who already face income inequality, rising bills, and job instability.

Let’s break it down.

Why Are Holidays Getting So Expensive?

The BBC teamed up with TravelSupermarket to analyse the most searched-for destinations. Here’s what they found:

• Cyprus: £1,166 pp (+23%)
  
• UAE: £1,525 pp (+26%)
  
• Spain & Turkey: Prices rising significantly
  
• Italy & Tunisia: Only two destinations to drop in price
  

So why the spike?

1. Inflation & Global Costs – Food, fuel, and staffing prices abroad are higher than ever.
   
2. Post-Covid Boom – People are desperate to travel again, so demand is high. Airlines and resorts know this — and they’re cashing in.
   
3. School Holiday Surge – Families have no choice but to book in August, and companies know that’s when they can push prices up.
   
4. UK Economic Pressure – With a weak pound and rising interest rates, Brits are getting less for their money abroad.
   

The result? We’re all paying more, but getting less.

The Youth Experience: Dreaming of Getaways from a Bedroom Window

The real pain? It’s emotional as much as financial.

When your feed is filled with influencers on yachts, celebrities in Mykonos, and your favourite artists performing in sunny countries — it’s hard not to feel left out or left behind. And social media isn’t slowing down. The pressure to be seen “living your best life” is only growing, especially among 16–25s who use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat daily.

But how can you live your best life when a flight to Spain now costs more than your entire student loan monthly payment?

For young people already dealing with underemployment, rising rent, and fewer job opportunities (as covered in our previous feature), a holiday abroad feels like a faraway dream.

So, What Are People Doing Instead?

The data shows that families — and let’s be real, many broke students and young workers — are getting creative:

• Booking shorter stays — 4–5 days instead of a full week
  
• Flying mid-week — Tuesday/Wednesday flights are cheaper than weekends
  
• Choosing cheaper spots — Like Tunisia or staying within the UK
  
• Group trips — Splitting villas or Airbnbs with friends to cut costs
  

It’s not ideal, but it shows that despite the odds, young people are still finding ways to create joy, memory, and moments.

Domestic Travel: The New Escape?

More young people are now exploring UK-based getaways: think Cornwall beaches, road trips through Wales, and glamping in the Lake District.

But even local holidays come with costs — train prices, accommodation, food. The UK isn’t exactly cheap either.

Why This Matters Beyond Holidays

It might be tempting to say: “It’s just a holiday — not a big deal.” But for a generation facing burnout, financial stress, and the constant pressure to be “productive,” taking breaks is more essential than ever.

Mental health matters. Escape matters. Experiences matter.

We live in a time where work-life balance is barely a whisper. And if holidays are priced out of reach for the average young person, what’s left? Just hustle, just pressure, just grind?

Time to Rethink Travel for the Next Generation

This isn’t a pity party — it’s a rally cry. Young people are smart, adaptable, and creative. But the system needs to change, too. Here’s what we want to see:

• More affordable youth travel schemes — discounts, grants, or rewards for students and apprentices
  
• Flight & accommodation caps during peak season to prevent greedy pricing
  
• Mental health campaigns promoting breaks — and not just for those who can afford them
  
• Highlighting alternative, low-cost travel experiences — because joy doesn’t always have to come with a luxury price tag
  

Final Word

Young people are trying. They’re budgeting, side hustling, and still dreaming big. But when the world keeps moving the goalposts — and now even sun, sea, and sandy breaks feel out of reach — we have to ask bigger questions.

What does rest look like in a world that’s too expensive to live in, let alone escape from?

We may be priced out of paradise right now, but the energy, creativity, and spirit of our generation? That’s priceless. And one way or another, we’ll keep finding ways to shine — home or abroad.

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https://insidesuccessmagazine.com/category/travel