If you didn’t manage to escape on holiday amid the ongoing cost of living crisis this year, don’t worry – these celebrities did it for you!

With millions of followers collectively, stars like Millie Mackintosh have been invited by luxury hotels to showcase their destinations, gifting these fortunate influencers thousands of pounds worth of free holidays throughout 2025.

Maura Higgins poses in a red and white bikini with palm trees in the background.Maura during Morocco’s golden hourCredit: Instagram

While these 'influencers' flaunt their golden tans in meticulously staged, PR-friendly photos, experts believe the situation is shifting.

“Travel brands are aware that celebrity ‘freebies’ can be a double-edged sword,” explains travel PR expert Jenny Holden.

“The reach is extensive, but there’s a significant risk of appearing out of touch for those who can’t afford such luxuries. The more astute operators are now balancing content with real-world value, transparent pricing, and practical advice.”

Jenny also shares insights on the substantial amounts of money and negotiations involved in securing these trips.

NINTCHDBPICT001034296653Experts say stays risk looking ‘out of touch’ if they go on too many free tripsCredit: Instagram

“While it's hard to pinpoint exact figures due to varying budgets, lesser-known influencers can command £5,000 for a single Instagram post per holiday, while higher-tier celebrities could earn anywhere from £20,000 to £200,000 for hosted trips,” she notes.

Based on these figures, it’s reasonable to estimate that our ten biggest influencers of 2025 have enjoyed free holiday experiences valued at a minimum of £500,000.

Here they are in all their glory – if you can bear to look…

Maura Higgins

Maura Higgins in a bikini and Miu Miu hat at sunset on a boat.Maura Higgins showcasing her stunning bikini figure in DubaiCredit: Instagram Maura Higgins posing in a bikini while enjoying the view from Mykonos.And in Mykonos…Credit: Instagram Maura Higgins with red hair and a red fringed dress with a Ferris wheel in the background at Coachella.And on a complimentary trip to CoachellaCredit: Instagram

Globetrotter Maura, 35, hardly paused in 2025, jetting around the world and enjoying the advantages of having four million followers.

Highlights included a birthday trip aboard a luxury yacht from a company that rents boats for £81,000 a day, VIP access to the US festival Coachella, which costs over £1,000, and a sun-drenched getaway to the Semeli Coast in Mykonos, where a villa rental would set you back a staggering £5,000 per week.

Millie Court

Millie Court wearing a black bikini and sunglasses on a beach, leaning against a palm tree.Millie strikes a pose on her complimentary Maldives trip
Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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