Reader TTS

How Gen Z plans to balance summer fun with budget constraintsA recent survey has found Gen Z are not holding back from making the most of their summer - looking for a variety of ways to stay

on budgetCommentsLifestyleCharlotte Minett11:23, 05 Jun 2025Updated 13:12, 05 Jun 2025A quarter are adamant about securing tickets to at least one music festival this summer(Image: SWNS)

Research has unveiled that Gen Z's dream summer would include five festivals and four overseas trips, despite having less than £1,000 to splurge. They aspire to enjoy seven beach days and

embark on four staycations during the year's warmest three months, with 23% considering a theme park visit an essential summer activity.

Despite financial constraints, 23% are adamant about securing tickets to at least one music festival this summer, and a holiday abroad with friends is deemed 'non-negotiable'. As such, with

79% uncertain about affording their desired activities, nearly four in 10 are strategising cost-effective travel methods to maximise their budget.

‌Gen Z believe it's more important to have fun than be sensible(Image: © SWNS Group)‌ Quality transport between events is considered crucial by three quarters of respondents, as they seek

comfort on lengthy journeys and aim for an optimal start to their trip.

This useful tool, provided by National Express, demonstrates how you can fully enjoy your festival experiences - without breaking the bank. Simply enter your postcode and that of your

favourite party companion, and it will display all the summer festivities you could be attending.

John Boughton, commercial director for National Express, which sponsored the research, commented: "While the appetite for adventure is sky-high, the reality of rising costs means many young

people are having to balance their dreams with what's actually doable."

Article continues below Talking about the tool, John said: "we are fortunate enough to have hundreds of festivals and events around the UK at our disposal, but a major obstacle is the cost

of an entertainment-packed weekend in a field – the prices can easily reach into the hundreds.

"That's why we're seeing Gen Z getting smart with their spending-being selective, savvy and seeking out ways to make the most of their money, with the travel there and back being key."

The study also discovered that Gen Z plans to attend six BBQs this summer and eat fish and chips by the seaside six times, while 29% would love to spend more on dining out or takeaways, to

avoid the hassle of cooking.

‌ One in five have made arrangements to splurge on one or two main things this summer. However, according to the figures from OnePoll.com, 72% now view having fun in the summer as a

'luxury'.

Despite this, 43% still believe it's more important to have fun in the sun – compared to the 15% who think being sensible is a better option.

John added: "Ultimately, Gen Z aren't prepared to sit the summer out.

Article continues below "They're finding clever ways to stay in the moment, prioritise what matters most, and still have an unforgettable time and it is encouraging that they are looking for

affordable, reliable and comfortable travel to get the most out of their summer.

"This is a generation that thrives on fun, freedom and flexibility-and they're making it work, one plan at a time."