Extreme weather and the cost of living are the two leading concerns for holidaymakers booking break this year, new research suggests.
Half of those polled say extreme weather is the factor most likely to influence their travel choices, followed by the cost of living (47%), travel strikes (42%) and inflation (39%).
The anti-tourist sentiment, which reached its highest point of concern last year, remains an influencing factor for just a third (32%) of those polled – down from 55% in 2024.
The trends are identified in the latest annual study by Holiday Extras that tracks the most pressing issues holidaymakers say will change their travel plans for the year ahead.
Other issues of concern among the 1,000 consumers asked at airports in January include unemployment (25%), conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine (24%) and US president Donald Trump (15%).
Many say they will opt for a “coolcation” in 2025 (48%), or travel overseas by train (48%) as the causes of extreme weather weighs on holidaymakers’ minds.
More holidaymakers are searching for alternative destinations (49%), as concerns about the cost of living drive people to destinations offering more value for money.
Despite high profile releases – such as the third season of The White Lotus, which will air on TV later this month – expected to fuel demand for destinations seen on screen, only a third (33%) of those polled say it’s something they are planning to do this year, with more than half (58%) saying they will actively avoid it.
Holiday Extras head of public affairs Seamus McCauley said: “We’re only a month into 2025 and have already seen news of extreme weather and events caused by climate change hit the headlines, and this is clearly affecting holidaymakers’ travel plans for the year.
“The biggest changes we’re seeing are holidaymakers continuing to look for destinations that will help them navigate higher temperatures and places where their money will go further as climate caution and bargain-hunting once again weigh on their minds.
“Another thing holidaymakers are doing to avoid holiday hassles is avoiding locations that may soon see an influx of visitors thanks to their appearance in popular culture – and though we think shows like the White Lotus will drive more to visit Thailand, it seems the prospect of high visitor numbers is putting more people off.”