UK holidaymakers hit pause on overseas travel as global uncertainty reshapes 2026 plans
UK travellers are taking a more cautious approach to overseas holidays in 2026, with new research from The Harris Poll UK, A Stagwell Company, revealing a growing “wait and see” mindset as global uncertainty influences travel decisions.
The nationally representative survey of 1,000 UK adults, conducted in partnership with Travel Weekly, shows that while demand for international travel remains, many consumers are delaying bookings, reconsidering destinations, and opting for lower-risk alternatives.
Brits delaying decisions rather than cancelling travel
Nearly one in three (31%) UK adults already have an overseas leisure/holiday trip booked in the next four to six weeks, but a further 32% are either yet to book or still considering their options, suggesting widespread hesitation at the point of commitment.
While 58% say their plans have not changed, behaviour tells a different story. One in ten (10%) say they are delaying booking, while similar numbers are either considering travelling closer to home or avoiding overseas trips altogether for now.
This points to a shift towards a more cautious, flexible approach rather than a drop-off in demand.
Uncertainty driving more selective travel choices
Among those reconsidering plans, external global factors are a key influence, alongside concerns around disruption, rising travel costs and ongoing regional conflict.
As a result, travellers are increasingly favouring options perceived as more predictable. Domestic holidays and short-haul European trips are gaining appeal, while appetite for long-haul travel and cruises has softened.
Confidence returns over longer booking windows
Despite short-term hesitation, longer-term intent remains strong. More than four in ten (42%) say they are very likely to travel abroad within the next year, compared to 28% in the next three months.
This suggests that many travellers are not abandoning overseas holidays altogether but are waiting for greater clarity before committing.
Certain destinations see sharper drop in confidence
The research also highlights notable differences in destination confidence, with some regions significantly more affected by current global conditions.
Only 4% of UK travellers say they would feel comfortable travelling to the Gulf region immediately, while many prefer to wait until conditions stabilise or avoid them entirely for now.
A ‘wait and see’ travel market emerges
Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, UK travellers are balancing optimism with caution.
While 17% say they will travel abroad as planned without concern, the largest group (29%) say they will still travel but will be more selective about where they go. Around one in ten plan to delay booking, and a similar proportion are reconsidering overseas travel altogether.
Overall, the findings point to a travel market defined not by reduced demand, but by delayed decision-making and increased selectivity.
ENDS
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About The Harris Poll UK
The Harris Poll UK, a Stagwell company, is a leading market research and strategy consultancy helping the most recognisable organisations understand what matters most to their customers. Combining advanced digital research, behavioural science and proprietary real-time technology, we deliver insight at scale, analysing over one million surveys and 40,000 emotion data points each month.
From bespoke consultancy to continuous brand measurement, we help organisations understand how their brand is performing, where it stands against competitors and where it needs to go next in a fast-moving consumer landscape. By uncovering emotional drivers, unmet needs and emerging consumer trends, we support confident decision-making and help turn insight into meaningful competitive advantage.