In addition to the pubs reopening and children returning to school, many Brits remain desperate for a getaway abroad in the sun this summer.
With a temperate and at times extremely unreliable climate, British holidaymakers typically favour warm European countries for a short-haul trip. For culture vultures, South East Asian countries boast a vibrant and rich history and provide the perfect base for gap year travellers. For stags, hens and groups of friends, city breaks are the ideal affordable mini-break with Warsaw, Budapest and Prague being a few firm favourites.
The UK’s Favourite Destination
For decades Spain has remained the UK’s most popular holiday destination thanks to its reliably hot weather, sandy beaches and cheap food and booze. For families, resorts such as Alicante and Benidorm are a popular choice and for young people and couples, Barcelona is a fun and romantic choice. With beautiful orange roofed cities such as Valencia, Spain has such a wide variety to offer making it the ideal short-haul trip for all ages and budgets.
The quickest flight to Barcelona takes a mere 1 hour and 45 minutes from London Heathrow with flights up North in areas such as Newcastle taking four hours. Although flights are the quickest and arguably easiest mode of transport, families with holiday homes in Spain or those visiting for multiple weeks may also enjoy taking the chunnel and enjoying a scenic drive through France.
The World’s Favourite Destination
It should come as no surprise to know that France is the world’s most popular tourist destination. With an estimated 89 million visitors each year, France remains head and shoulders above Brit favourite Spain, which welcomes around 82 million visitors per year.
For many visiting Europe, Paris is a bucket-list-worthy trip due to its beautiful architecture and multiple picture-perfect backdrops. With stunning buildings, chic delicatessens and hundreds of galleries, Paris remains a truly romantic and inspiring destination.
In addition to beautiful buildings and city centres France’s landscapes are picture perfect and the very definition of natural beauty. From cliffed coastlines to patchwork farmland to snow-topped ski resorts, like Spain, there is something for every visitor. For those who enjoy hiking and keen photographers, the French countryside and wildlife provide stunning backdrops and can be enjoyed on foot, by bike or simply in the car with the window down.
When discussing the allure of French culture, it’s impossible not to provide a notable mention of the local cuisine. In addition to Bordeaux being the wine capital of the world, french vineyards, cheese, bread and delicacies are a huge draw for foodies and lovers of luxury.
The Top 12 British Favourites
Below we’ve listed the current British favourite destinations based on the last couple of years travel trends. Post Brexit and the Coronavirus we are likely to see a significant change in our usual British holidaymaking behaviour. With our beloved, Spain and Italy being terribly affected by the pandemic and a subsequently slower vaccine rollout, it is wise to assume that Brit’s will look elsewhere for their vacations throughout 2021/2022.
