Study reveals 1 in 3 aim to spend less in Scotland as accommodation costs rocket

With prices continuing to rise, the average cost to have a night away in the highlands was £113 per night and a total average spend of £315 per trip.

Considering this, the experts at Choose Leisure wanted to reveal the main reason less people are planning holidays by analysing Visit Britain’s sentiment tracker to highlight the main concerns.

Participants were asked “How, if at all, would you say the ‘cost of living crisis’ is likely to influence your UK short breaks or holidays in the next six months?”

“Holidays can get expensive, but with smart planning, you can enjoy a great trip without overspending or sacrificing experiences."

Choosing cheaper accommodation was the most common way people planned to save money on their holidays in Scotland with one in three (30%) stating this is a key way to cut.

Less than a quarter (21%) said they were willing to spend less on eating out and almost five in one (19%) would be happy to cut back on shopping or buying gifts to be able to afford a short break or holiday in the next six months.

Self-catering accommodation placed as the fourth most popular change to consider with 17% sharing they would be happy to ditch the all-inclusive buffets, whilst in fifth with 16% is choosing to do fewer activities.

Money-saving Changes	Total
Choose cheaper accommodation	30%
Spend less on eating out	21%
Cut back on buying gifts/shopping at the destination	19%
Choose self-catering accommodation	17%
Do fewer activities	16%
Look for more ‘free things’ to do	15%
Visit fewer visitor attractions	14%
Take fewer UK short breaks/holidays	13%
Take day trips instead of UK short breaks/holidays	12%
Stay with friends or relatives	12%

Kent motorhome company, Choose Leisure, who conducted the researchshared the most effective ways to save money while travelling:

“Holidays can get expensive, but with smart planning, you can enjoy a great trip without overspending or sacrificing experiences.

“Choosing budget-friendly options like self-catering stays, hostels, or off-peak bookings can significantly cut costs. Pairing this with free activities and occasional home-cooked meals allows travellers to make the most of their trip without breaking the bank. Here are some key things to consider whilst planning your next trip.”

Smart Ways to Save Money While Planning Your Holiday:

1. Choose Alternative Accommodations

Instead of hotels, consider vacation rentals such as studios, chalets or motorhomes for more space and a kitchen to save on meals. For a free stay, try home exchanges but hostels are also great for budget-conscious solo travellers.

2. Travel Off-Peak & Book Smart

Avoid peak seasons as traveling in late September instead of July can cut hotel costs by 40%. Shifting check-in dates away from weekends can also help. Book flights and stays as early as possible following these rules: 3 months ahead for domestic trips, 6 months for international.

3. Use Loyalty Programs & Travel Credit Cards

Hotel rewards programs offer discounts and free stays through being loyal and collecting points. Travel credit cards provide cashback, free lounge access, and travel insurance. Frequent flyer miles can also lower flight costs.

4. Cut Food Costs

Book stays with free breakfast or a kitchen to save 30-50% on dining. Buy groceries locally and eat out strategically to avoid a big final bill, many restaurants also offer lunch specials which tend to be cheaper than dinner.

5. Use Public Transport

Skip taxis and rentals, many UK cities, including Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, offer affordable tram and bus networks with day passes. London offers unlimited travel options on buses, the underground and trains with designated zones - ideal for tourists planning to visit multiple sights in a day.