Viral ‘last minute holiday prep’ trend is costing Brits an extra £794 MILLION a year – here’s how to avoid the pain

British tourists are wasting a whopping £794 million a year by leaving travel prep to the last minute, according to a new study. 

TikTokers have been sharing their last-minute holiday prep on the platform, with videos showing people frantically shopping for everything from clothes to beauty essentials.

But this panic buying could be costing holidaymakers.

British tourists are wasting a whopping £794 million a year by leaving travel prep to the last minute, according to a new study.

Sun cream is one of the most forgotten items with one in three Britons saying they don’t remember it until the last minute.

And that forgetfulness can come at a price. A standard bottle of SPF 30 can cost as much as £35 at the airport, compared to just £5 elsewhere.

Last-minute passport purchases are also a drain on Britons’ budgets. According to data from the Passport Office, over 500,000 people ordered a passport using the fast-track service in 2023.

This is far more expensive than ordering it with the standard service. Passport renewal costs £94.50 online while the one week fast-track service costs £178.

British tourists are wasting a whopping £794 million a year by leaving travel prep to the last minute, according to a new study

Suncream is one of the most forgotten items with one in three Britons saying they don’t remember it until the last minute

A spokesperson from Travel Republic says: ‘Spontaneous trips are great, but last-minute holiday admin can cost you more than the getaway itself. A little early planning can save hundreds.’

How to avoid last-minute costs  

Set calendar reminders

The spokesperson says: ‘Check your passport expiry date annually and again 2-4 weeks before flying to ensure you meet your destination’s rules. This gives you a buffer to renew it if needed.’ 

Make a week-before-you-fly list 

Travellers should include essentials like sun cream, adapters and foreign currency on their list. 

Shop early 

‘Once your holiday is booked, do a “pre-holiday shop” for essentials like sun cream and travel insurance when prices are low and you’re less likely to forget,’ says the spokesperson.