A record number of British holidaymakers say their summer getaways were spoiled by extreme heat, wildfires, plastic-choked beaches and polluted air. Spain, one of the UK’s most popular destinations, is at the centre of this growing crisis. August 2025 saw Spain endure its most intense heatwave since records began. Temperatures soared beyond 45C across parts of the country, and the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) confirmed it was the hottest August ever recorded.
In a single month, over 2,100 people died from heat-related causes, which represents nearly double the number of deaths from the same period last year. Across Europe, experts have sounded the alarm after one million hectares of land were scorched this summer, making it the worst wildfire season on record.
According to new research from travel insurer InsureandGo, more than 8 in 10 UK adults (84%) reported being directly affected by environmental issues while holidaying abroad this summer, a sharp rise from 76% in 2022.
The findings, the result of a research carried out by Walr Research on 2,000 Brits in July, come as summer 2025 was also officially declared the UK’s hottest on record by the Met Office, and as Europe suffered several deadly heatwaves over July and August.
The most commonly reported effect was extreme heat, with over half of all UK holidaymakers (52%) saying they endured dangerously high temperatures this summer, up from just 31% in 2022.
Many also witnessed the growing scourge of plastic pollution, with 29% saying they saw litter in the sea or on beaches.
While the Mediterranean remains a favourite destination, growing environmental concerns are already influencing choices for 2026, with many Brits considering trips during the cooler shoulder seasons or to less climate-vulnerable locations.
More than a third of people surveyed said they are now likely to book holidays in cooler spring or autumn months instead of summer.
Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at InsureandGo Travel Insurance said: “As more of us experience the impact of climate change first-hand, or read about it in the news, people are having a serious re-think about how, when and where they travel.
“Already some are beginning to consider future holidays at a different time of year and others are considering destinations with cooler climates. At InsureandGo, we want to help people go abroad without the doubt.
“We would encourage people to do their destination research before they fly off and also to check what their travel insurance covers in terms of cancellation and medical cover for those with pre-existing conditions.”