Holidays mean something different to everyone.

For some, it's a well earned family break. For others, it's finally visiting that city you've been dreaming about. And for some, it's a longer multi stop adventure you've spent years imagining.

Whatever your trip looks like, one thing always helps: having a solid plan in place.

At V12 Personal Finance, we help people find simple, transparent loans so they can spread the cost of their trip over a timeframe that works for them.

For lots of customers, choosing to use a loan isn't about spending more, it's about making the experience more manageable, stress‑free, and achievable.

Here are some reasons a holiday loan can be a good option when it's affordable and fits your budget:

1. Spread the cost over time
Instead of paying a big lump sum all at once - flights, accommodation, spending money you can break it down into predictable monthly repayments.

2. Keep your savings untouched
A loan can give you financial breathing room. You don't have to drain the emergency fund you've worked hard to build.

3. Travel when the timing is right for you
Sometimes, the only time the whole family can go is peak season. A loan helps you go when life allows, not when your savings finally catch up.

4. Clear repayments with no surprises
With fixed monthly payments, you know exactly what's coming out and when, making it much easier to plan your budget.

What kind of holiday are you planning?

Already have your dream break in mind? These are some of the most common holidays our customers spread the cost of with a personal loan.

For families planning ahead (who typically borrow between £2k and £7k):
•    Summer package holidays for school break weeks
•    Beach stays where flights, luggage and accommodation add up
•    Hotels and excursions booked early to secure availability

For proactive planners (£7k to £10k+):
•    Long haul trips for special occasions
•    Multi stop family adventures
•    Cruise holidays when January and spring booking peaks feel overwhelming

For couples and solo travellers (£1.5k to £4k):
•    City breaks with transfers and activities
•    All-inclusive getaways
•    Off peak escapes booked early for the best value

It's important to remember your holiday doesn't have to cost you everything all at once. 

Our customers spread the cost into manageable monthly payments, so the upfront figure doesn't stop you from booking at the right time for you.

Why early booking matters for holidays

Every year, the travel industry sees the same pattern. The early part of the year is one of the busiest months for holiday bookings. Many families use the new year to secure the dates they need. 

According to YouGov, 42% of Britons pay for their holiday at least 1-3 months before departure due to concerns about price increases. 

Booking early with a holiday loan can help you:
Lock in flights and hotels before prices rise
Secure the dates you prefer
Avoid last-minute compromises
Spread the cost instead of paying everything up front

With demand peaking early in the year, a holiday loan can help you act at the right moment while keeping your budget steady.

Before applying for a loan

Everyone's circumstances are different, but understanding how personal loans work is essential before you apply.

Taking out a loan means committing to regular repayments over a set period. Missing those payments can negatively impact your credit score, result in fees, and make future borrowing more difficult.

Borrowing more than you can comfortably afford may cause financial strain.

It is important to carefully consider the type of loan that suits your needs, as well as the term and amount that feel suitable and affordable for you. If you are a homeowner, you can apply for a secured loan and may be asked to put your home up as collateral.

At V12 Personal Finance, we encourage responsible borrowing. Our personal loan eligibility checker lets you see your options safely and confidently with no impact on your credit rating at the eligibility check stage.

It is important to remember that a full credit search will be carried out once you choose to apply for a loan with your chosen lender, and Credit Reference Agencies may keep a record of that search.

Ready to check your holiday loan eligibility?

Plan like a pro 

Before you do anything, research into all the holiday details is essential to keep everything on plan and (most importantly) on budget.
1.    List everything you need: flights, accommodation, transfers, luggage, insurance and spending money.
2.    Check seasonal prices: school holiday weeks, half terms and popular routes can rise quickly.
3.    Compare packages: look at what is included to avoid unexpected add ons later.
4.    Check eligibility: see your loan options with a soft search* and choose what feels right for you.

How much do people borrow for their holiday?

If you are unsure how much to borrow or what terms might suit you, let's look at how much our customers borrow.
•    Typical loan amount: Many customers borrow around £3k to £6k for their holiday plans. This can be to fund expensive flights, pay upfront hotel costs or to have a little bit in the back pocket for when they land.
•    Typical terms: Most choose around 3 to 5 years to balance convenience and spread the cost in a way comfortable for them. 

Everyone is different and borrowing is based on your individual circumstances.

Ready for your holiday? Check your personal loan eligibility now, it only takes a few minutes.

FAQs

1.    What is a soft credit check?
*At the eligibility stage, a soft search is carried out. This does not impact your credit score. It's an initial check on your credit profile to see if you are eligible for a loan. A full credit search only happens when you decide to apply with a lender. A full credit search will potentially impact your credit profile. the Credit Reference Agencies may keep a record of a hard search

2.    How quickly could I access funds?
Unsecured personal loans are often processed quickly, sometimes with money arriving within hours of approval. Secured loans take longer due to additional checks and requirements.

3.    Can I use a personal loan to cover all parts of my holiday?
Yes. Many customers use a personal loan to fund flights, accommodation, transfers, luggage, insurance and general spending money. 

4.    Can a holiday loan help me book early and secure lower prices?
Booking in advance can means better availability and lower prices on flights and hotels. A holiday loan lets you secure these deals at the right time, without needing the full amount upfront.

5.    Will a holiday loan affect my credit score?
A soft search to check your eligibility won't impact your credit score. A full credit search is only carried out if you choose to apply with a selected lender, and this may be recorded on your credit profile.

6.    Can I repay my holiday loan early?
Most personal loans allow you to make early repayments, although lenders may apply an early settlement fee. Always check the terms provided with your quote.

Representative example: If you borrow £5,500 over 5 Years at a Representative APR of 21.9% and an annual interest rate of 21.9% (fixed) you would pay £152.59 per month. Total amount repayable £9,155.49. Minimum repayment period is 12 months. Total charge for credit will be £3,655.49.

Credit is subject to status, the % APR rate you will be offered is dependent on your personal circumstances.

It's important to carefully consider the type of loan that best suits your needs as well as a term and amount that is suitable and affordable.
 
V12 Retail Finance Limited is registered in England and Wales 4585692. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration number: 679653. Registered office: Yorke House, Arleston Way, Solihull, B90 4LH Correspondence address: 25-26 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PJ. V12 Personal Finance is a trading name of V12 Retail Finance Limited.

V12 Personal Finance is a credit broker, not a lender. V12 Personal Finance introduces you to a limited range of brokers or lenders who may offer you a loan. V12 Personal Finance does not work with the whole of the lending market, meaning other loans may be available to you elsewhere.

V12 Personal Finance does not give you any recommendation or advice. V12 Personal Finance acts for itself and is not impartial. It does not act for you or for the lenders or brokers it works with.

V12 Personal Finance receives a fixed or percentage commission payment from the lender or broker if you take out a loan. The commission it receives varies depending on the product, loan amount or APR. Loan offers (if available) are shown in this order: unsecured loans followed by secured loans, ranked by the closest matched loan amount, term and lowest APR respectively. Before completing your application, you will be shown the commission arrangement between V12 Personal Finance and the lender or broker you have selected.

Credit is subject to status. You must be UK resident aged 18 and over, with a regular provable income. If you are a homeowner, V12 Personal Finance may provide you with details of loans secured against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.

To make things easier, we'll share the information (including your personal details) that you confirm and provided during this eligibility check with our panel of lenders or brokers. We do this so that they can provide you with a quote for the loan you have requested and to save you from having to tell them again. Details of our panel can be found here.

You can read more about how we use your personal data in our privacy statement.

Warning: late payment can cause serious money problems.

For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk