The Financial Burden of Festive Travel
The rising cost of Christmas travel is significantly affecting millions of Britons, forcing many to compromise on holiday gift-giving. A recent survey conducted by Censuswide for car-sharing platform Turo reveals that the average car-less Brit is expected to spend £114 travelling home for Christmas. The financial strain is particularly acute for Londoners, who anticipate spending an average of £151, closely followed by residents of Northern Ireland (£144) and Scotland (£143). In contrast, those in the North East expect to pay just £77 for their journeys.
These high travel expenses come on the back of a 4.9% rise in English rail fares earlier this year, with another 4.6% increase expected in March 2025. For many, these costs are cutting deeply into their holiday budgets, making it challenging to celebrate the festive season as they would like.
Gift-Giving Takes a Hit
The survey revealed that half (50%) of respondents travelling home for Christmas this year plan to buy fewer gifts due to the high cost of travel. Among those relying on trains, the figure rises to 61%. Londoners are particularly impacted, with 59% admitting they will have to scale back their gift purchases.
Young adults aged 18-24 are the most affected demographic, with two-thirds (66%) reporting that travel expenses are reducing their ability to give gifts. In comparison, only 28% of individuals aged 55 and older face similar constraints. Furthermore, 18% of respondents said they would not be visiting their parents this Christmas due to travel challenges, a figure that climbs to 25% among 25-34-year-olds.
Expert Advice from Turo
Turo’s director, Rory Brimmer, expressed regret about the situation:
“It’s disheartening to see that the high cost of getting home for Christmas is preventing so many people from buying the gifts they wish to give. With average travel costs for car-less Britons at £114—or £151 for Londoners—it’s an undeniable financial strain.”
To help mitigate these challenges, Brimmer offers practical travel tips:
- Consider Car Sharing
Car-sharing services like Turo provide flexible, cost-effective alternatives to public transport, with rentals starting at just £29 a day. This option allows travellers to bring more luggage and presents without the hassle of additional public transport. - Book Travel Early
Whether travelling by train or plane, early bookings can help secure cheaper fares. Advance tickets are often significantly less expensive than last-minute purchases. Travellers might also save by starting their journeys earlier and working remotely from their destination. - Leverage Community Resources
Arranging a ride with someone from your local community can save money. Trusted friends, neighbours, or even local social media groups may provide options for splitting petrol costs. - Opt for Coaches
Though slower, coaches remain the most affordable travel option in the UK. For those with flexible schedules, this method can save considerable costs, even if used for just one leg of the journey.
A Season of Sacrifice
While the festive season is traditionally a time for generosity and togetherness, the rising cost of Christmas travel has introduced a layer of financial difficulty for many. By exploring alternative travel options and adopting cost-saving strategies, some of the burden can be eased, ensuring a holiday season filled with joy and celebration.