About 16pc of holidaymakers experienced issues after booking trips abroad
Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Photo: PA
Irish holidaymakers spent an average of €2,473 on flights and accommodation last summer, according to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
Despite the high cost, one in six travellers (16pc) ran into problems after booking foreign trips taken between May and August.
Flight delays and rescheduling were the most common problems reported – disruptions that often affected accommodation plans and events booked in advance.
Younger travellers were more likely to be impacted, with almost 30pc of people between 18 and 24 saying they experienced problems while abroad. This was the highest rate across all age groups.
A large number of holidaymakers (30pc) travelled without insurance. Among those under 35, that figure rose to 48pc.
One in 10 travellers only bought insurance after booking their holiday. The CCPC warned that late purchases may not cover events such as strikes or extreme weather.
Travel-related complaints continue to be a regular issue for consumers. In 2025, the CCPC received almost 2,700 contacts about travel problems through its helpline.
Consumers reported a wide range of issues, including cancelled or rescheduled flights, lost luggage and misleading hotel listings. Some travellers lost deposits after missing instalment payments on package holidays. Others paid thousands of euro for accommodation that later turned out to be a scam.
Holidaymakers who booked flights and accommodation separately faced higher risks.
Package holidays provided greater protection for travellers, with travel agents responsible for arranging alternatives if something goes wrong, according to the CCPC.
“CCPC research shows that Irish holiday makers are spending €2,500 on average for their foreign summer holiday,” said Orla Delargy, the CCPC’s deputy director of communications.
“That’s a considerable amount of money, so travellers should think about potential pitfalls that could ruin their plans. Three in five of those who travelled abroad either have insurance or buy it with the holiday.
“If you’re travelling uninsured you need to expect the unexpected, and bear in mind that late insurance purchase may not cover you for some events.”
The research was carried out with Ipsos B&A and surveyed 991 adults in Ireland.
source