Just days after Jet2 announced a marked increase in the number of flights from the UK to Spain this year with Mallorca being the airline’s Spanish hub during the summer, it has been revealed that hundreds of thousands of Britons beat the January blues last year by spending £161m more on holidays to Spain in the first month of 2025.
New analysis of Office for National Statistics (ONS) data by Compare the Market shows a significant rise in holiday spending between January 2024 and January 2025 in Spain. The Spanish Mediterranean coasts have remained the most popular travel destination in January, attracting an estimated 2.46 million British visitors at this time of year over the past three years.
France was the next most popular during the last the Januarys, with around 1.62 million visits – ahead of the United States (903,000) and Italy (782,000). Spain also accounts for the highest levels of international travel spending by Britons in the first month of the year. In January 2025, British holidaymakers spent around £710m – up from £549m in 2024 and £506m in 2023.
Spend in the next most popular countries during January drops considerably, with spending in the US and France reaching roughly £393m and £375m respectively in January 2025. With overall spending in Spain by Britons rising, the average cost per holiday has also continued to rise. Average spend on trips to Spain have increased by around 32% over the past two years, rising from an estimated £629 per trip in January 2023 to £831 in January 2025.
Average spend per traveller in France also saw an estimated 16% year-on-year increase, with average spend reaching £762 per trip. The sharpest rise in average spend per traveller in January was recorded in US. Average spend by Brits travelling stateside surged by roughly 64% in a single year, increasing from £1,026 in January 2024 to £1,687 in January 2025. This came as visit numbers fell by around 44%, suggesting fewer travellers are taking long-haul trips – but those who do are spending significantly more.
Emily Barnett, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “It’s clear that many British holidaymakers are continuing to beat the January blues by prioritising holidays, with spending on trips to destinations like Spain rising despite ongoing cost pressures. While some Brits are choosing closer or more familiar destinations, others are travelling less often but spending more when they do, particularly on long-haul trips.
“As holidays become a bigger financial commitment, it’s increasingly important for people to think about how they protect their plans from the moment they book. Taking out travel insurance as soon as a trip is confirmed can help protect against unforeseen circumstances, such as cancellations in the lead-up to departure or unexpected disruption.
“For those planning multiple trips over the year, an annual travel insurance policy can also offer a more cost-effective option, providing continuous cover and peace of mind across every getaway. Making these decisions well in advance can help holidaymakers focus on enjoying their time away, rather than worrying about the potential cost of holidaying without comprehensive cover.”