Palma de Mallorca. Photo: Shutterstock New research from easyJet suggests that British holidaymakers could swap summer barbecues for European city breaks and beach escapes without spending any more money.
According to a survey commissioned by the airline, the average Brit spends up to £384 a year hosting garden barbecues for family and friends. Among Generation Z consumers, that figure rises to £513, with the average cost per guest reaching £19, just 99 pence less than the price of an easyJet flight to Barcelona.
The findings come as households continue to face rising costs and unpredictable summer weather. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents said the cost of hosting a barbecue has increased significantly over the past two years, while 46% said Britain's unreliable weather makes spending money on outdoor gatherings a risky investment.
To demonstrate how far a typical barbecue budget could stretch, easyJet compared the average annual BBQ spend with flight prices and destination activities across Europe. The airline identified 10 destinations where travelers could cover return flights and still have money left for sightseeing, dining, and local experiences.
Topping the ranking is Spain's Lanzarote, where flights start from £28.99 per person, leaving more than £355 from the average barbecue budget available for activities. The destination offers attractions including guided tours of volcanic landscapes, beachside dining, and coastal sightseeing.
Lanzarote, Spain. Photo: ShutterstockOther destinations highlighted for value include Alicante and Palma de Mallorca, both known for their beaches, historic districts, and local markets.
Lisbon. Photo: ShutterstockCity-break destinations such as Lisbon, Berlin, and Barcelona also featured prominently due to their cultural attractions, museums, architecture, and dining scenes.
Dubrovnik. Photo: Zigres / Shutterstock.comThe airline's top 10 list also includes Dubrovnik, Milan, Amsterdam, and Paris.
Amsterdam. Photo: ShutterstockKevin Doyle, easyJet's UK Country Manager, said: "The Great British BBQ has long been a summer tradition, but our research shows just how far that same money could go beyond the back garden. For the cost of hosting a BBQ at home, Brits could instead be enjoying a European getaway.
"From sun-soaked beaches to laid-back city breaks, there's incredible value to be found across easyJet flights this summer. So before stocking up on burgers and buns, it might be worth checking our unbeatable range of flights across Europe and beyond to see how far your budget stretches."
The research comes as easyJet prepares for one of its busiest travel periods, with the carrier expecting to fly more than 50 million passengers across its network this summer. The airline and its holiday division have also promoted their Book with Confidence Promise, which guarantees that flight and package prices will not increase once booked.
The survey was conducted by Censuswide among 2,000 nationally representative UK respondents between May 29 and June 1, 2026.