Travel has become one of the largest household expenses, but it remains a top priority for families, according to Zilch. The company recently reported that travel spending reached an all-time high in 2024, with a significant 140% year-on-year growth. Zilch attributes this surge to customers seeking smarter and more flexible ways to fund their trips.
Nearly half of families now book their travel plans 5 to 12 weeks before departure, and Zilch aims to meet this growing demand by offering flexible payment options for large bookings.
“Travel is no longer a luxury — it’s a priority for both professionals and families in 2025,” said Zilch Co-founder and CEO Philip Belamant. He also highlighted that 84% of U.K. consumers are exploring both domestic and international destinations, collectively spending over £72 billion on overseas travel in 2023.
Zilch Travel is designed to help customers manage the costs of trips, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living challenges in the U.K., by allowing them to structure payments within an app they already trust for managing their finances.
A recent PYMNTS report on the travel sector noted that travelers expect seamless payment experiences similar to those they encounter in daily life. Real-time payment systems, such as digital wallets, have become increasingly important, as they provide secure, instant transactions while reducing the risk of fraud. The study also revealed that most travelers are willing to invest more in the quality of their experiences, rather than focusing on the price.
