London Thanasis Gavos

New trends in British leisure travel abroad reveal a poll of 2,000 respondents on behalf of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

The poll was conducted at the end of the summer and was presented at the Association’s conference.

Among the key takeaways is the growing trend to travel throughout the year, with many avoiding the now very hot July and August to popular destinations such as Mediterranean countries.

As it turns out, May and June will be the most popular months for holidays abroad next year.

According to ABTA this is also about looking for the best value for money, with travel companies extending the summer season and increasing capacity in these regional months to destinations such as Greece and Turkey.

The poll also showed that in the 12 months to last August 52% of Britons went on holiday abroad, with the average number of trips per person at 1.4 – the same as before the pandemic. Two out of three respondents said they plan to take a trip abroad in the next 12 months.

The poll also reveals that short holidays in cities abroad, so-called city breaks, have overtaken beach holidays in popularity. 40% of respondents took a city break, while 34% chose a beach vacation.

In terms of the most popular destinations for Britons based on visits, Spain remained in first place. France, Italy, the USA and Greece followed in order. Turkey climbed to the 8th place, returning to the top ten, which is closed with a small drop by the tenth Cyprus.

It is noted that next week London hosts the annual major tourist exhibition World Travel Market, with an emphasis on, among other things, environmentally sustainable holidays.