New research (1) from ABTA – The Travel Association shows that August is the busiest time of the year for young people going on holiday abroad, with 44% of 18-24-year-olds having booked or considering an overseas holiday during the month, compared with a national average of 31%. For some, this may be their first holiday abroad without parents or family, and ABTA is sharing advice for both young travellers and their parents to help them prepare for a safe and enjoyable trip.

August is more popular than both July (40%) and June (29%) among this age group and remains the standout season for overseas travel, despite young adults no longer being restricted to school holiday periods. For many, it offers the opportunity to travel with friends and make the most of destinations during the peak summer season, making it an ideal month to travel independently for the first time.

Many are also leaving their holiday plans until relatively close to departure, giving less time to make those essential preparations. Among those planning holidays(2), almost half (45%) of 18-24-year-olds intend to book within four weeks of travelling.

Whether heading off solo or as part of a group, ABTA is sharing advice for both those travelling and their parents to help young people have holidays that are safe, enjoyable and hassle-free.

Holiday Hacks: ABTA’s advice for young travellers this summer

• Book with an ABTA member for expert advice and support
• Check your passport and take out appropriate travel insurance making sure it covers any activities that you plan to take part in while away.
• Tell a parent, family member or trusted friend about your travel plans, including where you’re staying, and keep in touch while away.
• Look after your friends on nights out by sharing locations using apps such as Find My Friends and downloading offline maps
• Drink responsibly and be aware of the risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning.
• Take care around balconies, swimming pools and the sea, particularly after drinking alcohol.
• Book excursions and activities through reputable providers and think twice before hiring mopeds or quad bikes.
• Follow Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice before and during travel.

Read ABTA’s full advice for young travellers here.

(1) All figures refer to ABTA’s recent survey carried out by The Nursery Research and Planning (www.the-nursery.net) with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults. The survey took place between 8 May 2026 and 19 May 2026.

(2) Between May and September 2026.