Over-55s are choosing once-in-a-lifetime holidays over leaving a larger inheritance in 2026

This is according to research commissioned by Immediate, which found this opinion was held particularly among parents of older or independent children.

In fact, 68 per cent feel more comfortable spending more on themselves. Nearly half (48 per cent) went further to say they feel no guilt when treating themselves to luxury holidays.

Overall, Britons will spend largely the same amount on holidays as they did in 2025, but some groups hope to go bigger in 2026.

Some 26 per cent are willing to splash the cash on longer trips, while 18 per cent will spend more on their next short trip.

So, Britons approaching retirement age are prioritising experiences, but what does this mean exactly? The poll found nearly half of holidaymakers choose destinations based on what they are interested in at the time of planning, and "passion-led trips".

History and heritage trips, food and drink experiences, and gardening and nature-focused trips were among the top passions reflected in holidays.

The way Britons take their time off has changed dramatically over the past 10 years, and more data showed travellers have become bolder and more flexible when booking holidays.

Britons are no longer sticking to the same destinations and timings, according to loveholidays. The rise of the mini-sun break is one of the most notable changes coming in 2026.

Although week-long trips remain popular, Britons like the idea of a quick trip to get a burst of sunshine, even if it is just for a long weekend.

The top destinations have also changed recently, with Egypt's Red Sea emerging as the most popular destination this year.

The current top five hotspots being booked include Costa Blanca, Tenerife, Amsterdam and Antalya, alongside the Red Sea.