Winter in London is a dreary affair. The skies are grey, the air crisp, and the rain persistent, leaving us dreaming of summer days and sunshine. Even the warmer months are not always much of an improvement, with wet weather and brisk winds almost a given, which is probably why Brits enjoy holidaying abroad so much.
With the average English man or woman spending around a quarter of their disposal income on getaways, it’s safe to say that Londoners have a serious love of sun, sea, and sand – one that costs them over £6,000 per annum. But where exactly is it that we escape to when we’re in need of a tropical paradise?
According to a recent study from Statista, here’s where we’re headed.
Spain
Always popular among Brits, Spain sees around 15.62 million visits from UK residents each and every year. Offering guaranteed sunshine and beautiful beaches, its attractions are manifold, and it’s not only seaside escapes it has to offer. With plenty of great locations for city breaks too, such as Barcelona and Madrid, visitors can craft their perfect holiday without paying over the top for travel. For those who want to explore, it’s easy to rent a vehicle, with car hire at Malaga airport, for example, starting at less than one euro per day. In regards to accommodation, there are plenty of beautiful apartments all across Spain worth checking, and a good example of that is Líbere accommodation who service the city of Bilbao. Add to this short flight times, the impressive grasp of English displayed by those working within the tourism industry, and average summer temperatures of around 23 degrees, and it’s easy to understand its appeal.
France
While it’s not as popular with tourists as neighbouring Spain, France is also a spot frequently visited by us Brits. With 8.56 million UK residents arriving on its shores each year, this is a country famed for its wonderful culture and cosmopolitan vibe, which goes some way towards explaining why so many of us choose to holiday here. Other big pulls include its unparalleled shopping experiences, close proximity, and fabulous cuisine. Popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and other Parisian landmarks also help to lure us in, with around 47 percent of the UK population having visited this iconic structure.
Italy
Like France and Spain, Italy has a strong sense of culture and fabulous local cuisine, making it a great choice for those who want not only sunshine but the chance to see beautiful historical structures and stunning scenery too. Boasting average summertime temperatures of around 23 degrees in the north and 27 degrees in the south, it has plenty to keep visitors occupied, with boutique hotels for those who want to book a culturally rich city break and beachside villas for visitors who prefer to spend their days sunbathing and sipping on locally sourced Italian wine. The people are very welcoming as well and if you’re planning to visit Italy learning some basic words and phrases using The Intrepid Guide to communicate with the locals would be very helpful.
USA
Coming in only slightly behind Italy is the United States, which draws around 3.47 million Brits per annum. Made popular by its sprawling landscapes and stunning national parks, as well as the lack of a language barrier, this is a country with something for everyone, due in no small part to its exceptional size. Doing everything on a bigger and more impressive scale than we could ever dream of at home, it’s a place filled with marvels for the erstwhile adventurer to explore.
Isn’t it time you started planning your summer holiday?
