The Great British Take-off
Hobbies, Cultural Immersion, Independent Travel and the Airport Experience Define Priorities For 2026
26% of Gen Z's
book their next holiday immediately after returning from the last.
31% of 18-24 year olds
prioritise travel over saving for a home
14m Brits
plan to make holidays their number one financial priority in 2026
Half of Gen Z's
see airports and layovers as part of the holiday itself.
The change in Britain's travel habits
Dragonpass’ latest national research reveals a subtle but significant shift in British travel behaviour. Holidays are becoming more frequent and increasingly self-directed, shaped less by tradition and more by experience.
Based on a nationally representative UK study, the data provides one of the earliest statistical views of how Britons are planning to travel in 2026, mapping shifts across spend, trip frequency, motivation, destination choice and the expanding role of airports and layovers within the overall travel experience.
UK residents are estimated to have made more than 92 million outbound trips in 2025, with outbound tourism spending reaching approximately £69.2 billion over the past 12 months. ABTA data indicates that around 68% of UK adults plan to travel abroad in the next year, with most expecting to spend the same or more on holidays than they did previously.
Which emerging destinations are Brits setting their sights on in 2026?
Popular layovers
The most popular layover locations - all offered by Dragonpass
Dubai International Airport
At Dubai International Airport, Dragonpass members can enjoy access to multiple airport lounges across terminals, including options like Plaza Premium, Ahlan and Marhaba lounges, as well as other travel benefits such as Fast Track lanes and airport dining offers.
Amsterdam Schipol Airport
At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Dragonpass members can enjoy access to airport lounges as well as dining offers across the terminal, making it easier to relax, refresh and make the most of their time before departure.
Singapore Changi Airport
At Singapore Changi Airport, Dragonpass members can choose from 24 lounges and 14 dining offers across the terminals, giving travellers plenty of ways to unwind, refuel and enjoy a smoother airport experience from check-in to take-off.
Hamad International Airport
At Hamad International Airport, Dragonpass members can enjoy access to airport lounges as well as sleep pods, spa treatments and Fast Track services, giving travellers multiple ways to relax, refresh and streamline their journey before departure.