One in six adults feel summer never lives up to expectations

Despite nine in 10 looking forward to the summertime, 13% believe the season is often ‘better in theory than reality’. Four in 10 Brits also claim that summer is their favourite season.

A poll of 2,000 people revealed the top 25 things which get in the way of enjoying the warmer months, including pricey holidays, packed pub gardens and sweaty public transport. Having to work on a sunny day (22%), overcrowded beaches (24%) and higher food and drink prices (16%) are also factors that stop people enjoying the summer months.

Similarly, more than three quarters of Brits (77%) believe seasonal prices are inflated and unfair. The most unreasonable prices are family days out (47%) and festivals and events (45%). A further 12% are irked that a ‘99 Flake’ now costs far more than 99p.

Half also cited holiday and travel costs as being unfair, with 29% having experienced unexpected roaming charges abroad. In general, 59% believe it’s easy to get caught out by hidden costs from connectivity providers.

A separate poll of 2,000 adults, carried out for giffgaff via OnePoll, found 45% of adults are most likely to experience FOMO (fear of missing out) during the summer months. Of those, 53% say missing plans or events stops them fully enjoying the season.

Cost plays a role for 31%, while work commitments leave 36% feeling left out. Foreign holidays (36%), gigs (27%) and major sporting events (15%) are among the experiences people most often have to miss out on.

With the World Cup in full swing, many are determined not to miss a moment – with 15% even admitting they have watched sport on their phones at work.

Meanwhile, more than one in five (23%) have found ways to watch their favourite team while on holiday.

The research was commissioned by giffgaff, which has launched its Fair-play Summer Fund to give people the chance to fix an unfair summer moment.

giffgaff is offering unlimited data for £14 and broadband for £5 a month, giving people more money to spend on those moments that matter.

Kate Dohaney, CEO for the mobile and broadband provider, said: “Summer is the season we spend all year looking forward to, but our research shows that for many people it comes with catches.

“From rising costs and hidden charges to missing out on experiences, too many people feel summer doesn’t always play fair.

“We’re on a mission to tackle some of summer’s stings, by helping people with data and broadband for less, so they have more money to spend on those moments that matter.”