Over Two Million UK Holidaymakers to Travel Overseas for Summer Break

ABTA estimates over two million British travelers will head overseas for summer holidays this weekend, marking the first weekend of the UK school summer break.

ABTA – The Travel Association anticipates that more than two million British holidaymakers will travel overseas between July 25 and 28, coinciding with the start of the school summer holidays across the UK. Spain is expected to be the most popular destination, with high demand for regions such as Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Other favored destinations include Greece, Portugal, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Italy, Malta, Morocco, and Cape Verde.

City breaks are also in demand, with Amsterdam, Dubai, Dublin, Budapest, Barcelona, and Lisbon among the top choices. Airports in the southeast of England are preparing for a significant increase in passenger numbers. Heathrow and Gatwick are expected to see hundreds of thousands of departures, while Stansted anticipates 210,000 passengers and Luton 120,000.

Manchester Airport is set to handle 220,000 passengers, and over 100,000 are expected to depart from Birmingham Airport. Despite Scottish schools already being on summer break, Scottish airports will also experience high traffic. Other regional airports, ports, and the Channel Tunnel are preparing for increased activity.

ABTA has advised travelers to allow extra time for travel to departure points and to check for any public transport disruptions. The association has also provided a travel checklist to help ensure a smooth travel experience. This includes checking the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice, ensuring passport validity, obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, applying for a Global Health Insurance Card, and understanding EU travel rules.

Travelers are also reminded to adhere to current airport security regulations, manage travel money effectively, and prioritize safety while abroad. For a detailed checklist, travelers can visit ABTA’s website for more information.