As football fans across the UK gear up for a summer of high-stakes games, new research from easyJet holidays reveals that the traditional holiday is being traded for the ‘fan-cation’, with Brits going to extraordinary lengths to ensure they don't miss a single minute of the World Cup action.

A study of British holidaymakers reveals a clear divide between relaxation and team loyalty. With tournament matches kicking off as late as 1 am UK time due to the transatlantic time difference, fans are refusing to let a change of scenery get in the way of their passion. Trading the living room sofa for a Mediterranean sun lounger, travellers are actively seeking out destinations that lean into the tournament atmosphere.

Passports and Penalty Shootouts

While managing time zones on holiday can be a headache, research shows that British fans are treating match days as the main event. With almost half (48%) admitting they would willingly skip a pre-booked holiday excursion, a day trip, or even a romantic dinner if it clashed with a crucial knockout game.

The social compromises don't stop at dinner; the data highlights that over a quarter (27%) of football-loving partners have admitted to causing a "holiday row" over match schedules. This holiday friction hits younger genertions the hardest, as the data reveals a full-blown generation gap when it comes to viewing boundaries. A staggering 62% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials maintain that catching a game during an intimate holiday celebration is completely fine, compared to only 30% of Baby Boomers, who demand total peace.

The desire for atmosphere is driving booking habits, too. Rather than avoiding the hype, over a third (38%) of supporters state they intentionally book trips to nations with promising football atmosphere just to soak up the local fan culture and celebrations when a goal goes in.

The Price of Passion

For the ultimate fan, catching the game on a smartphone screen by the pool simply won't cut it. Holidaymakers are looking for a community atmosphere, with 70% stating they view a hotel’s screening facilities and atmosphere as a top priority, and over half (59%) admitting they would pay a premium of up to £100 per person for a resort that guarantees a dedicated tournament hub.

To meet this demand, easyJet holidays has mapped out the ultimate match-ready resorts across Europe and North Africa, where fans can enjoy guaranteed sunshine alongside guaranteed screenings.

The Ultimate "fan-cation" Hotlist

Hotel & destination

What’s on offer

Los Zocos Impressive Lanzarote (Lanzarote, Spain)

Main pool bar fully decorated with competing country flags and tournament decor, plus extended bar hours for the ultimate late-night experience.

Zeus Eleva Mirabello Bay(Crete, Greece)

Offering extended All-Inclusive hours to cater for late-night North American kick-offs in a comfortable environment, with noise-conscious zoning.

Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa (Sicily, Italy)

The Xtra Time Sports Bar serves US-style bites, hot dogs, and a massive selection of drinks across multiple flat-screen TVs.

Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort and Spa (Dalaman, Turkey)

Sleek, indoor F-Lounge featuring dedicated English-language broadcasts, comfortable bar-stool seating, and a promise to show every match.

Alua Suites Fuerteventura(Fuerteventura, Spain)

Giant-screen stadium vibes in the resort’s main theatre, public viewing at the Plaza and Agua Bar, plus free-to-air matches in private suites.

Mayfair Hotel (Paphos, Cyprus)

The Flying Pig Sports Bar & Grill, boasts huge screens and a dedicated, fan-first atmosphere built for tournament drama.

Acrogiali Beach Hotel (Mykonos, Greece)

High-comfort, designated screening zones with big screens right by the beach, designed for fans who want luxury with their live sports.

Sunrise Solara & Alora Aqua Park Resort(Hurghada, Egypt)

High-energy, stadium-side atmosphere in dedicated sports bars and lively viewing areas screening every match live under the sun.

Choosing a dedicated sports resort means the stressful search for a local pub showing the game is eliminated. From late-night burgers during extra time to poolside screens, easyJet holidays ensure travellers get more bang for their buck and more goals for their getaway. A list of all hotels to get your game on can be found linked here: World Cup holidays ⚽ Football friendly hotels | easyJet holidays

Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet holidays, said: "We know how much our customers look forward to their summer breaks, but we also know that true football fans can't just switch off their passion at passport control. Our data shows that 'Fan-cations' are a major trend for this summer, with Brits refusing to compromise on their holiday or their team. By highlighting our top tournament resorts, we're making it easier than ever to enjoy great value, guaranteed sunshine, and a front-row seat to all the sporting action."

Leave the Remote, Take the Sun

With easyJet holidays packages including flights, 23kg luggage, hotel accommodation, and transfers all backed by a low deposit of just £60pp, there has never been a better time to take your support on tour.

Notes to editors:

For more information, interview requests or imagery, please contact the easyJet holidays team on Holidays.pressoffice@easyjet.com / 01582 525374

About easyJet holidays

easyJet holidays, launched in 2019, is a leading package holiday provider operating from the UK, Switzerland, Germany, and France.

In 2025, it took over 3.1 million customers on holiday, providing great value beach and city breaks to more than 10,000 hotels across 100+ destinations in Europe and North Africa. It offers a wide range of holiday types, including its market-leading Luxury Collection with handpicked 5* hotels and expertly curated packages.

ATOL-protected holidays can be booked via its website or 7,000+ travel agents, starting from a £60 deposit per person and including flights, accommodation, 23kg luggage, and transfers on beach breaks. easyJet holidays is an ABTA member and offers Ultimate Flexibility with booking changes, a refund guarantee, and Best Price Guarantee.

Crowned Champions of Sustainability, easyJet holidays’ ‘Holiday Better’ strategy focuses on making more sustainable holidays mainstream, minimising tourism impacts, and embedding sustainability in its business. It partners with UN Tourism to develop an ESG framework for tourism, creating tools to measure industry impact on people, planet, and prosperity.

easyJet holidays was also named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work in 2023, 2024, and 2025.