Brits Report Three 'Holidays of a Lifetime' on Average, Fueled by Loyalty Points
A recent poll has uncovered that the average Brit has enjoyed three 'holidays of a lifetime', with top destinations including the Maldives, Tokyo, and the Great Barrier Reef. This marks a significant shift from the traditional view of such trips as once-in-a-lifetime events, as 46 per cent of respondents now believe dream holidays are more achievable than they were a decade ago.
Loyalty Points Transform Travel Accessibility
The survey, conducted by OnePoll.com among 2,000 adults, found that seven in 10 individuals have utilised loyalty points to book trips that would otherwise have been financially out of reach. This trend is highlighted in Virgin Red's fourth annual report, The Points Index: 'Living the Dream Holiday', which notes a 13 per cent year-on-year increase in points redemption for travel experiences in 2025, totalling 31.2 billion points.
Andrea Burchett, chief loyalty officer at Virgin Red, commented: "Loyalty is fundamentally reshaping how consumers think about travel. Trips once seen as 'once in a lifetime' are becoming achievable, as consumers increasingly treat points as a strategic currency. Even amid economic uncertainty, points are helping consumers prioritise meaningful travel."
Key Criteria for Dream Holidays
According to the poll, the top factors that define a 'holiday of a lifetime' for Brits are:
- Stunning natural scenery, cited by 50 per cent of participants.
- Luxury accommodation, preferred by 45 per cent.
- Exceptional food and drink, important to 40 per cent.
- Experiences unique to the region's culture, valued by 38 per cent.
Additionally, 39 per cent of respondents prioritise beach and relaxation holidays abroad, while only 19 per cent opt for shorter getaways, indicating a strong preference for extended, immersive trips.
Planning and Trends in Holiday Booking
The survey also revealed that a third (34 per cent) of Brits are currently planning a major holiday, with point-spending peaks occurring in May, July, and highest in September, potentially linked to back-to-school fatigue. Furthermore, 21 per cent of those considering a big trip would book it to celebrate a milestone birthday, underscoring the personal significance of these journeys.
In terms of practical usage, nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of participants have paid for part or all of a flight with loyalty points, and 29 per cent have used points to upgrade flights, demonstrating the versatile role of rewards in modern travel.
Top 10 'Holiday of a Lifetime' Destinations
Based on the poll, Brits' favourite destinations for dream holidays are:
- The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Maldives
- Tokyo, Japan
- Hawaii, USA
- Sydney, Australia
- The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
- The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- New York City, USA
- Seychelles
This data reflects a growing trend where loyalty points are not just perks but essential tools for making aspirational travel a reality, reshaping how Brits approach and experience their dream getaways.
