Travel Money Market Report | October 2025
The First Rate Travel Money Market report provides insights into UK consumer behaviour around international leisure travel, with a focus on travel intentions, regional differences, types of holidays, and foreign exchange (FX) payment preferences.
Below are the key highlights from this month’s report:
- Travel Intentions Edge Up: 60% of UK adults plan to travel abroad for leisure in the next year. Younger travellers (16–34) remain most optimistic at 68%, while intent among the 55+ segment dipped to 53%.
- Economic Pressures Ease: 59% say holidays are their top priority after essentials, only slightly down from 61% last year. Fewer travellers expect to cut back on overseas trips (29% vs 34% in 2024).
- Holiday Choices Hold Steady: 44% will choose all inclusive holidays, especially popular with young families. Nearly half (47%) say going abroad is cheaper than UK holidays.
- Cash Use Declines but Still Dominant: 78% used cash overseas in 2025 (down from 83% in 2023). Only 14% relied solely on cash, compared with 20% two years ago. Debit and credit card usage overseas grew to 55% and 41% respectively.
- FX Behaviour Shifts: Median cash purchased for travel rose to £440 (vs £392 in 2024). Of this, £303 was ordered before departure, £71 withdrawn abroad, and £66 bought abroad. Two thirds of travellers returned with leftover currency (median £49), highlighting buy back opportunities.
- FX Behaviour Shifts: 59% plan to travel outside peak season to save costs (slightly down from 62% last year). London continues to lead in travel intent, while older segments remain cautious amid budget uncertainty.