Monthly Holiday Price Index - May 2025

May 2025 continues the year’s trend of falling holiday prices, with the latest figures from Cheeky Trip showing an average drop of 11.3% compared to May 2024. This marks the biggest fall in May prices since 2021, when Covid still had a major impact on travel, and builds on last year’s smaller 3% decline.

With lower prices across nearly all major destinations and travel windows, there are now plenty of opportunities for savvy holidaymakers to grab a deal ahead of the summer peak.
 

Short-Term & Long-Term Holiday Prices See Broad Declines

• Holidays departing within 1 week are cheaper by 14.6% compared to May 2024.
• Holidays departing within 1 month are cheaper by 17.9%—the sharpest drop across all booking periods.
• Holidays departing in 6 months are also cheaper, albeit more modestly, falling 3.1% year-on-year.

This marks another month of broad-based price declines across all booking windows, with May following similar patterns seen earlier this year.
 

Short-Haul vs Long-Haul Pricing Trends

• Short-haul holiday prices have fallen by 5.5% compared to last May, continuing a downward trend (after a 6.9% fall the previous year).

• Long-haul holiday prices have seen an even steeper drop—down 19.8% year-on-year—a continuation of this year’s ongoing long-haul price correction.

Destination Breakdown: Widespread Falls Again in May

Once again in May, nearly all of the UK’s most popular destinations have seen holiday prices fall. Here are just a few examples:

Price Increase:

• Malta: +6.9% (the only riser this month)

Notable Price Falls:

• Portugal: -2.1%
• Spain (mainland): -3.3%
• Greece: -9.0%
• Mexico: -20.9% (biggest faller this month)

Expert Commentary

Steve Campion, Managing Director at Cheeky Trip, commented on this month’s findings:
“May’s data shows that the market correction we’ve seen since early 2025 is continuing. To have double-digit declines on both short- and long-haul options is a great opportunity for holidaymakers looking for value right now.”

He adds:
“What’s really notable is the consistency of these trends—we’re now seeing multiple consecutive months of lower prices, with only occasional exceptions like Malta this month. I’d encourage anyone considering a break this summer or autumn to shop around now, as prices for later in the year remain highly competitive.”
 

Summary

With prices down across nearly every major market, May 2025 offers some of the best value holidays we’ve seen in years. From budget-friendly European breaks to cut-price long-haul escapes, it’s an ideal time to book.

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