A generational split in booking patterns reflects broader differences in financial planning, risk tolerance and lifestyle preferences, says research by EasyJet Holidays. Olivia Palamountain reports

British holidaymakers are displaying stark generational differences in booking behaviour, with Gen Z travellers preferring to secure trips less than 12 weeks before departure compared to Gen X holidaymakers who book five months in advance, according to new research.

The study by EasyJet Holidays found that younger travellers are driven by mental health considerations, spontaneity and budget-saving opportunities when making last-minute bookings, whilst older generations prioritise planning, budgets and coordinating with travel partners when booking well ahead.

Average booking times reveal significant variations across age groups, with Gen Z securing holidays 11.5 weeks in advance, Millennials booking three months ahead, Gen X planning five months in advance and Baby Boomers booking four months before travel.

The research highlights factors motivating last-minute bookings among younger travellers, including budget hacks and deals (36%), seeking mental health resets (31%) and pursuing dopamine-fuelled spontaneity (26%). In contrast, Gen X travellers cite budgets (52%), availability of travel partners (33%) and preference for planning (24%) as influences on their advance booking patterns.

Package holidays are experiencing renewed popularity across all age groups, with 38% of Gen Z now more likely to book packaged trips compared to five years ago. Cost efficiency (60%), ease of booking (56%) and peace of mind (38%) rank as primary motivations for choosing package deals among younger travellers.

Solo package bookings are gaining traction, with 57% of Britons saying they would consider booking solo holidays, representing a shift towards independent travel within structured packages. The trend reflects changing attitudes towards solo travel and package holiday formats previously associated with group or family trips.

Travel frequency is increasing across demographics, with one-third of Brits now taking three or more trips annually. Nearly a quarter of Gen Z and Millennials prefer shorter, more frequent breaks, with average vacation duration standing at 6.7 days according to easyJet Holidays data.

Paul Bixby, chief commercial officer at EasyJet Holidays, says: "At EasyJet Holidays, we're committed to providing package holiday options that suit the needs of all our customers, and this latest research highlights a fascinating shift in how people are choosing to travel. More Brits than ever are opting for package holidays because of their convenience and reliability, but we're seeing generational habits vary more than ever - from early planners to spontaneous adventurers. That's why we offer a wide range of booking options and holiday types, with brilliant last-minute deals as well as packages departing right up to March 2027."

The research identifies broader lifestyle shifts driving travel patterns, with Brits prioritising regular holidays to spend quality time with friends and family (48%), relax and unwind (44%) and support personal wellbeing and mental health (38%). These motivations suggest travel is increasingly viewed as essential self-care rather than luxury spending.

Top motivations for last-minute bookings include budget considerations and deals (32%), spontaneity (26%), work schedule constraints (21%) and mental health resets (20%), indicating practical and psychological factors influence booking timing across different age groups.