Holiday Britons bust spending budget

Nearly all holidaymakers go well over their planned spending levels while away, according to a survey.

As many as 94 per cent of tourists exceed their holiday budget by £500 or more, the poll by price comparison website TravelSpec.com found. For most, this means a doubling of the money they originally intend to spend, as 72 per cent of those surveyed allow for a holiday budget of up to £500.

Based on responses from 6,000 people, the survey also showed that 78 per cent admit spending frivolously before they fly – blowing up to 10 per cent of their budget in tax-free stores on cigarettes, alcohol, beauty products and other luxuries.

Men tend to be more extravagant than women, with 74 per cent of male travellers spending up to £50 on tax-free products. Women are slightly more frugal, with only 40 per cent spending £50 or above.