Washout Britain Spurs Sodden Brits To Book Summer Holiday Abroad
Posted on July 6, 2012 by Nick Sandham
While Holidaying At Home Also Proves To Be A False Economy
An all-inclusive family holiday in Majorca proves cheaper than a family staycation*
Scores of Brits are clambering to book trips abroad to escape the soggy UK, as a month’s worth of rain falls in just 24 hours.
The Met Office issued a severe weather warning this week after last month saw the wettest June since records began and it seems the non-improving weather is leading to a flurry of foreign holiday bookings.
The north, central and eastern regions of the UK are expecting more than 2.4inches of rainfall over the next 24 hours and this is pushing people to swap their umbrellas for sun parasols.
In June, the UK recorded 145.3mm of rain – double the average – and travel agent Thomas Cook saw enquiries for trips to Euro hot spots – such as Spain and Greece – soar as customers sought out sun.
With the weather showing no promise of improving and the Euro still weak against the Pound, bookings look set to peak as canny Brits head abroad to warmer climes.
Lydia Dearden, who runs Thomas Cook’s tour operations, said: “We’ve definitely seen a rise in bookings as the weather worsens, with our research showing one in five people are influenced to book a holiday by the disappointing British weather.
“We have less holidays available than we did this time last year, which we believe is partly down to the poor weather, and with many of us still hankering for some heat, our advice to those holding out for a last minute deal is to book sooner rather than later to ensure they have the widest choice and can secure the right holiday.”
ABTA revealed this week that up to 13 million UK holidaymakers will be heading overseas in July and August. Ninety per cent of these holidaymakers will be heading to countries around the Mediterranean where many British holidaymakers are also benefiting from cheaper prices due to the Eurozone troubles and a strong pound, which has increased in value by 10% against the Euro in the last twelve months.
Recent research has also shown it can be more costly to holiday in the UK than abroad, contrary to popular belief, meaning cost savings on holidays as well as a lack of sunshine are a deciding factor. For example, an all-inclusive week long holiday for a family of four to Majorca, including flights, transfers, three star accommodation, unlimited waterpark access and kids entertainment would cost £2,166 – just £100 more than a typical family staycation in the UK*, and actually cheaper than a UK holiday involving travelling by train.
Jacqui Holt, head of foreign exchange at Thomas Cook, added: “With the strengthening pound against the Euro it also means there’s never been a better time to book a Euro Zone holiday. But it’s not just the price of holidays – the best currency exchange rates over the past year are available now, helping make spending money go further too.
“Holiday essentials cost considerably less outside of the UK. With the strength of the Euro declining against the pound, prices in places such as mainland Spain, Majorca and Portugal are far more affordable than the UK, with a three-course meal costing an average £10.14 in Spain compared to £20 in Blighty.
Lydia added: “Days out in the UK seem reasonable but quickly mount up and can be a false economy too. With a family pass to UK attractions like Alton Towers and Madam Tussauds setting you back around £100-150, in comparison to free of charge hotel activities to keep the children entertained abroad. The savings really do start adding up when you jet off.
“Destinations within the Euro Zone including Canaries, Balearics and Greece are proving popular with holidaymakers looking to take advantage of good exchange rates. Elsewhere, Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt continue to offer great value – especially for those looking for all inclusive deals.”
Top three destinations chosen by Brits are:
1. Spain
2. Turkey
3. Greece
Spain was launched as a holiday destination 140 years ago by Thomas Cook and is still the number one choice for Brits today Das klingt schon etwas hoffnungsvoll... |
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