With May traditionally being a popular month for travel in the UK market, and this year’s final month of spring despite economic and geopolitical challenges, British families are taking advantage of deals and the school holiday period (May half-term) to travel abroad, with Mediterranean destinations ranking among the top choices and Greece included on the list.
As most schools close today for the May holidays in the United Kingdom, this weekend is expected to be particularly busy for travel, with families opting for short getaways to nearby sunny destinations and demand focusing on popular seaside areas across the Mediterranean region.
According to the latest annual Holiday Habits survey by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), 17% of UK adults who planned holidays abroad said they intended to travel during this period.
Members of the ABTA report strong demand for sunny, short-haul holidays in May and during the school holiday period, with Spain, Italy, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Portugal, Croatia, and Greece among the top choices. Popular seaside destinations include Mallorca, Alicante, and Tenerife.
Meanwhile, increased interest is being observed in city breaks, with Milan, Nice, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Budapest, Dublin, and Rome among the favourites. At the same time, some ABTA members are reporting strong bookings for cruises, with British travellers opting for itineraries that allow them to visit multiple destinations across the Mediterranean.
ABTA CEO Mark Tanzer stressed that, despite economic and geopolitical challenges, people continue to take their May holidays, making the most of available attractive deals.
“The appeal of overseas holidays remains strong, as does our determination to enjoy them, as there is no substitute for experiencing different landscapes, cultures, and cuisines,” he said.
For many, he added, it is about choosing holidays that offer value and a sense of security, and it is precisely here that the value of package holidays is demonstrated.
