It’s no longer a distant threat. Climate change isn’t just something we read about – it’s something many of us are now experiencing on our holidays abroad.
New research from InsureandGo reveals that more than 8 in 10 UK adults (84%) have felt the effects of climate change and pollution while away – a noticeable jump from 76% in summer 2022. From extreme heatwaves and smoky skies to polluted beaches and rising sea temperatures, the climate crisis is starting to leave its mark on our travel memories.
Are holiday hotspots getting too hot to handle?
This year, wildfires blazed across France, Spain and Canada – reminders of just how vulnerable many holiday destinations have become. For many UK travellers, it’s hitting home. According to InsureandGo data, 76% of UK holidaymakers now believe overseas hotspots will become too hot to visit within the next five years.
In fact, over a third (36%) are already thinking about switching their main holiday to spring or autumn to avoid the worst of the heat. It’s not just a passing thought – it’s a significant shift in how and when we travel.
What are holidaymakers experiencing abroad?
The effects of climate change are varied, and many travellers are seeing more than just the heat. Since July 2022, there’s been a sharp rise in reports of extreme weather and environmental decline:
| Effects of climate change | July 2025 | July 2022 |
| Extreme heat / hotter temperatures | 52% | 31% |
| Plastic and litter (beaches / in the sea) | 29% | 23% |
| Poor air quality | 29% | 20% |
| Forest fires / wildfires | 26% | 19% |
| Warmer seas / ocean | 20% | 14% |
| Drought | 19% | 15% |
| Polluted rivers and lakes | 14% | 11% |
| Increased rainfall/flood damage | 13% | 11% |
| Absence of wildlife | 12% | 11% |
| Deforestation | 12% | 11% |
| Rising sea levels | 13% | 11% |
| Erosion (soil, sand, beach, cliff) | 13% | 11% |
| Food shortages | 7% | 10% |
| Glacier melts | 9% | 10% |
From sun-drenched beaches dotted with plastic waste to smoky mountain getaways, the realities of climate change are becoming impossible to ignore.
Sustainability taking centre stage
These experiences are clearly influencing how UK travellers plan their holidays. Almost a quarter (23%) now say sustainability tops their agenda and forms the foundation of their holiday planning. Meanwhile, 41% are taking smaller steps to travel more sustainably – incorporating environmental concerns alongside other practical considerations.
And when it comes to choosing the right time to get away? Many are opting for cooler climes or off-peak seasons. 36% of respondents told InsureandGo they’re likely to book spring or autumn breaks in 2026, while 25% plan to stick to summer – but choose destinations where it’s less likely to be scorching.
What are people around the UK experiencing?
Experiences vary across the UK, but the climate’s impact is being felt nationwide:
- Londoners (90%), The North West (85%) and Yorkshire (85%) are most likely to say they’ve experienced climate change abroad.
- North East residents (53%) were the most likely to report extreme heat on holiday, and also the most likely to have spotted litter and plastic pollution (32%) on beaches.
- Londoners also topped the list for experiencing poor air quality (36%) and flood damage (16%).
- North West travellers were most affected by wildfires (26%).
- Welsh holidaymakers (22%) most often noticed rising sea temperatures.
- South East residents (16%) reported the highest rates of seeing polluted rivers and lakes abroad.
So what should travellers do?
As the world warms, it’s clear our travel habits are starting to change. But that doesn’t mean giving up on holidays altogether – it’s about adapting and planning wisely.
Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at InsureandGo travel insurance, shared:
“As more of us experience the impact of climate change first-hand, or read about it in the news, people are having a serious re-think about how, when and where they travel. Already, some are beginning to consider future holidays at a different time of year, and others are considering destinations with cooler climates.
At InsureandGo, we want to help people go abroad without the doubt. We would encourage people to do their destination research before they fly off and also to check what their travel insurance covers in terms of cancellation and medical cover for those with pre-existing conditions.”
Stay curious, travel consciously
Whether it’s booking your break for a cooler month, researching eco-friendly destinations, or simply packing a reusable bottle, travel can still be exciting – and responsible.
At InsureandGo, we’re here to support every step of your journey. From unexpected weather disruptions to planning for the future, our travel insurance gives you the freedom to explore stress-free.
The research was carried out by Walr Research among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults in July 2025.