Long sunny days top Brits’ favourite summer moments, along with empty beaches

Brits have shared their ultimate summer ‘wins’, with top moments including the joy of spotting your suitcase first on the airport carousel, bagging a complimentary hotel upgrade, and securing a coveted spot in a busy pub garden.

A survey of 2,000 adults has highlighted other seasonal triumphs such as enjoying meals outdoors, stumbling upon an empty beach, and successfully drying multiple laundry loads in a single day.

For those taking to the skies, sailing through airport security, discovering a hidden culinary gem, and evading sunburn during their holiday also ranked high on the list of victories.

Back on British soil, the longer, brighter evenings were particularly cherished by those surveyed.

The study was conducted by Virgin Money as part of its campaign to ‘add extra to ordinary’. Speaking about the findings, Andrew Carter from Virgin Money, which is offering advice on how to ‘win’ at summer, commented: “Summer wins can well and truly take it from being a good time of year to a great one, putting you in a brilliant mood while the sun is hopefully shining.

“The summertime typically puts a smile on your face anyway – but it seems these little moments do also happen more frequently at this time than any other. As a result, you feel like you’re getting that little bit extra in life over summer, and that can really give you a boost.”

When it comes to vacationing, arriving ahead of schedule at a destination, getting a good deal on currency exchange, and avoiding data roaming charges were also listed among the top holiday wins.

Brits are savoring the joy of fee-free card transactions, accumulating travel loyalty points and cashing in on credit card rewards for their holiday spending perks that make a world of difference when abroad.

According to a recent study, 62% of participants long for more of the so-called ‘summer wins’ to illuminate their season. Unexpected treats are what 35% of surveyed individuals cherish most, while for 30%, saving money is the apex of delight.

The survey indicates that summer is considered by 39% as the prime time for these lucky occurrences to happen. More than half (52%) are encouraged by the warm weather to spend on social outings with friends and family, treating them to memorable experiences during the summer months.

An upbeat mood due to good weather leads 50% to spend more generously, and another 52% simply aim to enjoy the splendor of the great outdoors during its best display.

With an eye towards the sunny days ahead, 42% plan by saving money throughout the year for essential holidays, quality family time, and wardrobe updates. The thrill of pleasant surprises energizes half of those questioned in the survey, leaving a significant 17% feeling exceedingly joyful.

Virgin Money’s Andrew Carter comments on the allure of their enticing ‘summer wins’ offerings such as travel advantages, cashback options, and attractive savings rates: “These moments add a little extra to the ordinary, which is what life is all about.”

“The research has shown people typically spend more money during the summer to maximise the warmer weather and we want to give people a little extra when they do, so that no day is ordinary.”

“By spending cleverly, they can make their own luck too – through cashback, discounts and dodging foreign exchange fees – which is a win-win for everyone.”