LifestyleDays outA poll has revealed that the fear of missing out is a major worry for people in the summer months - and one in six also feel the season never actually lives up to their expectationsZara Zubeidi12:19, 24 Jun 2026A poll of 2,000 adults found 45% of adults are most likely to experience FOMO (fear of missing out) during the summer months. Of those, more than half (53%) say missing plans or events stops them fully enjoying the season. Cost plays a role for nearly a third (31%), while work commitments leave 36% feeling left out.Holidays abroad (36%), festivals or concerts (27%) and major sporting events (15%) are among the experiences people most often miss. With the World Cup in full swing, many are determined not to miss a moment - with 15% even admitting to watching sport on their phones at work. Meanwhile, 23% have found ways to watch their favourite team while on holiday.One in six adults feel summer never quite lives up to expectations - despite it still being the nation’s favourite season.Despite nine in 10 looking forward to the season, and 39% claiming it’s their favourite, 13% believe it’s often ‘better in theory than reality’.A poll of 2,000, commissioned by giffgaff, 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 among factors stopping people enjoying the perfect summer. A further 12% are irked that a ‘99 Flake’ now costs far more than 99p.Similarly, more than three quarters (77%) believe seasonal prices are inflated and unfair. Among the most unreasonable are family days out (47%) and festivals and events (45%).Half also cited holiday and travel costs as being unfair, with nearly three in 10 having experienced unexpected roaming charges while on holiday abroad. Nearly six in 10 (59%) believe it’s easy to get caught out by hidden costs.So giffgaff has launched its Fair-play Summer Fund to give people the chance to fix an unfair summer moment.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.Article continues below"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.”Top 25 things that get in the way of enjoying summer:Difficulty sleeping in the heatFeeling hot or uncomfortableTrouble keeping the house coolSunburn or hay feverFeeling low on energy in hot weatherUnpredictable weatherIncreased road trafficCrowded beachesDifficulty concentrating in hot weatherSweaty public transport journeysHaving to work on sunny daysBusy parks and outdoor spacesOver-tourism in popular UK hotspotsTravel delays during peak periodsExercising in high temperaturesRain during bank holiday weekendsThe cost of UK staycationsHigher food and drink pricesSurge in pricing for travelPressure to make the most of good weatherPacked pub gardensA “99 Flake” costing much more than 99pThe cost of travelling abroad during school holidaysDevices overheating outdoorsIce cream melting too quicklyChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Days outHolidaysFestivals