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2.4 million Brits stage Easter holiday exodus overseas
Last updated at 16:52pm on 30.03.07Sky-high holiday prices in summer are fuelling a massive surge to the sun this Easter with record numbers of Britons staging an overseas exodus to enjoy a welcome foreign break.
The early dash to major airports and ferry terminals got underway yesterday as millions of children broke up from school for their Easter holiday fortnight.
Travel industry experts predict that around 2.4 million of us will blow more than £5.5 billion - 55 per cent more than last year - to be assured of some Spring sun.
The travel industry says that around 2.4 million Britons are heading for foreign shores to relax in the sun
Although weather experts are predicting a fair and dry Easter weekend for most of the UK, the travel industry says that around 2.4 million Britons are heading for foreign shores to relax in the sun.
They are mainly flying out to sunny beauty spots such as the Algarve, Tunisia, Cyprus, Spain and Florida with the Canary Islands the top choice.
Eager skiers can also snatching a couple of weeks of glorious action on the slopes of Europe and housands are grabbing this last chance to book a cheap flight to France, Italy and Switzerland as well as the USA.
According to Travel Counsellors, average holiday spend is expected to be up by 55 per cent this year when compared to 2006, despite an increase of just 25 per cent in the number of people enjoying a break.
As in 2006, the most popular destination among Easter travellers is the Canary Islands.
This is followed by Dubai, which has risen two places in the table and replaced Sharm el Sheikh.
The popular Egyptian resort is now in third place, keeping Orlando and Spain at bay in fourth and fifth positions respectively.
Other popular destinations for British holidaymakers include Thailand, Paphos, Barbados and New York, as well as Goa which has crept into the top ten once again.
The rising number of long-haul destinations on the list has been attributed to the fact that more and more holiday companies are including these locations in their brochures.
Independent travel specialists are also creating tailor-made offerings, allowing adventurous holidaymakers to satisfy their wanderlust.
Travel Counsellors managing director Steve Byrne said: "These latest statistics show that Easter is becoming an increasingly prominent holiday for Brits.
"What with perceived high prices during the summer holidays, and the excellent UK weather in July and August during recent years, it seems that an increasing number of holidaymakers are choosing to take their holiday at Easter."
Separate statistics from Hitwise reveal that Brits are also considering holidays to Disneyland Paris.
Analysis of internet searches shows that there has been a 45 per cent increase in the number of searches for Disneyland Paris compared to last year, making this the most popular travel search online.
But as more and more travellers take budget flights the extra spending is likely to go on going further afield or staying in more luxurious hotels and villas.
The cost of the average holiday this Easter, has increased to £2,376 per booking, compared to £1,533 in 2006, according to independent travel agency Travel Counsellors.
The only non-winter sun destination in the top 10 is New York, which has become a firm favourite thanks to the excellent exchange rate.
Thomson says holidaymakers are spending more on package trips. It has seen increased booking for hotel holidays and people spending more for half-board, full-board and all-inclusive deals.
A family of four, for instance, could spend a week all-inclusive at their beachclub at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt from £1,796.
An increasing number of families are opting for breaks that include food, drink and some activities.
This ensures they won't be in for any nasty financial surprises or horrific credit card bills when they reach home.
Thomas Cook is also experiencing a significant increase in demand for all-inclusive properties. Families are heading for its Holiday Resorts, which include children's clubs, entertainment and sporting activities.
"Budget conscious families can see the value in paying for an all-inclusive holiday as there's less spending money needed when they arrive on their holiday," says a spokesman for Thomas Cook.
