With the start of the summer holidays for most schools in London and Wales, it is estimated that over 2 million Britons will be heading abroad for a vacation this weekend.
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) announced that they are anticipating an unprecedented travel movement, with more than 2 million outbound trips from the UK this weekend. The peak day for departures is expected to be Saturday, July 22nd. According to ABTA, popular destinations such as Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands are expected to witness a significant influx of British holidaymakers.
The major airports, Gatwick and Heathrow, are set to see hundreds of thousands of travelers, while Manchester will see approximately 200,000 departures, followed by Stansted with 199,000, Luton with 116,000, Glasgow with 100,000, and Bristol with 71,000 holidaymakers. The total number of overseas flights scheduled for the weekend stands at an impressive 11,839.
Mark Tenzer, CEO of ABTA, shared his insights, stating, "Many families are embarking on their first holiday since the pandemic began. They are eager to return to their beloved destinations and create wonderful memories."
ABTA also revealed the top five most sought-after holiday destinations, which include Bulgaria, Portugal, Turkey, Morocco, and Greece.
As vaccination rates increase and travel restrictions ease, it is evident that the desire to travel and explore new places has surged among the British population. With the summer holiday season in full swing, it is expected that this trend of travel resurgence will continue to grow, bringing joy and excitement to families and holidaymakers alike.