The bank’s Consumer Spending Index found that despite these ongoing inflationary pressures, Brits are still keen to book holidays to look forward to later in the year.
Spend with airlines increased by 32.1% year-on-year in April, a slight uplift compared with March (28.5%).
The report also found consumers are feeling "noticeably more confident" in their household finances and ability to spend on non-essential items (67% and 56% respectively), compared to last month (59% and 48% respectively).
Meanwhile, optimism in the future of the UK economy has also increased to 25%, up two percentage points on March.
Consumer card spending grew 4.3% year-on-year in April – less than half the latest CPIH inflation rate of 8.9%, but slightly higher than March 4%.
Barclays said the increase in non-essential expenditure has come as consumers look to save on essential goods, with nearly nine in 10 shoppers saying they are concerned about the impact of rising food prices on their household finances, while 67% are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their weekly shop.
Esme Harwood, director at Barclays, said: "The arrival of slightly warmer weather, along with the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, led to more Brits venturing outside to enjoy social and leisure activities in April.
"Entertainment received a boost, as music fans rushed to book tickets to the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. Meanwhile, Brits are still searching for ways to reduce spend on essentials, so they can enjoy experiences such as holidays, shows and concerts."
