• Brits are feeling the pinch with 75% having less disposable income now compared to before the pandemic.
• 86% say days out and experiences are more important than material goods.
• Days out and experiences are hugely important to our mental health and wellbeing which is being severely impacted by the rising living costs.
• 76% of respondents say that bagging a bargain gives them an immense feeling of positivity.

Brits looking forward to enjoying a restriction free summer may be forced to cut back on days out due to cost-of-living crisis. New research released today from Travelzoo reveals that three quarters (75%) have seen their disposable income drop compared to before the pandemic, with almost a third (31%) saying their weekly budget and expenditure has had to decrease by £50 or more compared to the same time last year, which may be taking its toll on the health and wellbeing of the nation.

Amongst the main things people are cutting back on are holidays (42%) and days out or experiences with the family and, according to the survey, these changes are severely impacting the mental health of over half (56%) of the nation, with an overwhelming majority (98%) saying they are concerned by the rising living costs.

According to the survey, days out and experiences are hugely important, with the majority of respondents (86%) holding them in higher regard than material goods, and 91% saying that they help to improve their mental health and wellbeing through enjoyable family time (56%) and helping to build happy, long-lasting memories (51%).

However, there are still many bargains to be had that enable fun experiences and days out on a budget, with 76% of respondents saying that bagging a bargain gives them an immense feeling of positivity.

Commenting on the findings, Harry Wallop, consumer journalist and broadcaster, says, "It's no surprise that the last two years has made many of us reassess what's important in life, with nine in ten of us saying they now have a greater appreciation of the fun things in life, such as days out and time spent with the family. And though the cost of living crisis is making nearly everyone feel the pinch, the huge majority of us realise that getting away from work – if only for a day – is crucial to our wellbeing. Rarely has it been more important to find a bargain break.”

Travelzoo has a number of great discounted days out across the UK including restaurants, spas, afternoon tea, activities, attractions, and theatre shows.  Here are a selection of current deals:

£11.50 – Gin festivals across England & Wales, save 36% - Sample and discover new gin favourites this summer at the UK’s largest dedicated gin festival, The Gin to My Tonic. Festival goers can try over 120 craft gins whilst listening to live music. There’s also the opportunity to take part in masterclasses, meet the distillers and much more. Tickets are £11.50 across an number of UK locations saving up to 36% on the regular cost.

Sussex vineyard: tour, tasting & cream tea for two, £15 plus - save 50% - Carr Taylor Wine's vineyards cover 37 acres in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex.  A tour for two, including wine tasting and cream tea, is now £15 for Travelzoo members — saving 50% on the regular cost of the experience. Available Saturdays and Sundays from now until 30 Sep, 2022

DogFest in 5 UK locations, £16.05 – save 25% - DogFest is the perfect day out for dog lovers and their furry friends with highlights including a Big Dog Walk, have-a-go activities, arena displays, food and drink, and more. You can now get adult tickets for £16.05 when the festival comes to a number of UK locations until September, and save 25% on the usual cost with promo code TRAVELZOO25.  Dates and locations include: 18-19 June at Tatton Park, Cheshire; 25-26 June at Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire; 3-4 September at Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh; 10-11 September at Knebworth House, Hertfordshire and 24-25 September at Harewood House, Yorkshire.

For more information go to www.travelzoo.com

Note to editors: The survey was carried out between 20th and 23rd May 2022 among 1,000 UK adults of all ages.