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How the cost of living sparked a green travel revolution

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Remember when the cost-of-living crisis had us all rethinking how we travel? Well, it turns out those penny-pinching habits have turned into powerful, planet-friendly behaviours – and many of us are sticking with them, even as the pressure on our wallets starts to ease.

In fact, our new research has revealed that more than one in three UK holidaymakers (37%) are still embracing these greener choices – not just to save money, but because they’ve realised they’re good for the planet too.

A shift that’s here to stay

Let’s be honest – reusing last year’s summer wardrobe was originally about saving a few quid. But now, 37% of Brits are happily doing just that again this year, helping reduce fast fashion waste in the process.

And it’s not just about what we wear. 31% are staying in the UK for their holidays, cutting down on air travel and rediscovering the joys of homegrown adventures. Plus, 29% are still packing refillable cups, mugs, and toiletry bottles, helping to reduce single-use plastics while on the move.

Even our packing habits are getting a sustainable glow-up, with 26% cutting down the number of bags they take. Lighter luggage means lighter carbon footprints, and fewer luggage fees too!

Young Holidaymakers Are Leading the Way

This green wave is being powered by the younger generation. Among 18–24-year-olds:

  • 34% are choosing UK-based breaks, compared to 32% of over-65s.
  • 36% are travelling with refillables, far ahead of the 19% of older holidaymakers doing the same.

Whether it’s out of habit, awareness, or a genuine desire to travel more responsibly, younger Brits are setting the standard.

From budgeting to better choices

Interestingly, this eco-friendly travel trend doesn’t stop with how we get there – it’s influencing how we experience our holidays too:

  • 21% are eating local produce and drinking locally-sourced drinks at resorts.
  • 20% are using public transport instead of taxis or private cars once they arrive.
  • 18% are going self-catering and shopping at local stores to support the community and reduce packaging waste.

Even 15% are actively avoiding first class and unnecessary luxuries, making more conscious choices across the board. And with 14% choosing destinations closer to home, the environmental impact of long-haul travel is being thoughtfully reconsidered.

A long-term change, not a passing trend

What’s most exciting? This isn’t just a phase.

Our research shows that many of these habits were adopted during tough financial times, but now, they’ve become part of our travel DNA. With consistent behaviour trends over two years, it’s clear: sustainability and savings are going hand-in-hand for British travellers.

Want to see which habits are sticking? Here’s a quick snapshot:

HabitsJuly 2025July 2024
Use last year’s summer clothes rather than buying new ones37%39%
I’ll stay in the UK for holidays31%30%
Take refillable cups, mugs and toiletry bottles29%28%
Reduce the number of bags we take26%28%
Eat local produce and drinks when at resort21%26%
Using public transport rather than a car or taxi at resort20%23%
Go self-catering and use local shops18%22%
Avoid first class and the needless luxuries15%22%
Go to a country a bit closer to home14%18%
Using public transport rather than a car or taxi to get to/from the airport12%19%
Buy second-hand summer clothes11%19%
Avoid flying to the destination8%12%
Share a room at the hotel6%7%
We’ll go on holiday with another family3%5%

“What we’re seeing is a silver lining to the cost-of-living crisis,” says Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at InsureandGo.

“Holidaymakers who were forced to make economies are now discovering that many of these changes not only save money but also reduce their environmental impact. It’s encouraging to see that people are choosing to maintain these habits even as their financial situations improve, suggesting a genuine shift towards more sustainable travel.”

Travel Smart, Travel Sustainable

We’re proud to support this lasting travel revolution. Whether you’re holidaying at home or heading abroad, our goal is to make getting travel insurance easy, flexible, and hassle-free, so you can go without the doubt.

The research was carried out by Walr Research among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults in July 2025.