Brits Swap Long Haul Holidays For Destinations Closer To Home

DIDSBURY, ENGLAND, July 18, 2012 (Press-News.org) On the Beach, the UK's leading online travel agent says Brits are swapping long haul destinations for neighbouring alternatives this summer with trips to Spain and its islands proving particularly popular this year.

In 2011, a massive 29.4 million* Britons chose affordable holidays in Europe to avoid breaking their banks and this year is set to be no different.

This summer booking data from On the Beach reveals the nearby resorts in Spain and its much-loved islands are proving ever popular in 2012 with bookings up 30% year on year as Brits jet off to paradise retreats closer to home.

Cheap holidays to the Balearic Islands tempt millions of Brits every year offering beaches that rival the beauty of those found on the Thai islands. Most holidaymakers taking a break in Ibiza, will head to Cala d'en Serra the most famous beach on the island; however, it is the isolated, stunning coves dotted around the coastline that are most treasured by the locals and emit a feeling of complete seclusion.

Brits are booking summer trips to the Canary Islands instead of Florida this summer, enjoying a thrilling holiday closer to home. The sunshine state may offer a multitude of exciting theme parks, but Brits are avoiding these saturated attractions in the USA for the equally as exciting adventure parks on the sun kissed Canaries. The largest of the islands, a trip to Tenerife offers to one of the most spectacular water parks in Europe; Siam Park, which a diverse range of attractions in exotic surroundings.

Holidaymakers from the UK are opting for cheap holidays to the Spanish mainland rather than splashing out on trips to Australia in 2012. Many Brits find their dream of hiring a camper van and driving for weeks along the coast of Oz scuppered by the monstrous flight and even worse price tag. However, many Brits are making the most of an alternative route closer to home with just as many beautiful beaches also drenched in the glorious sun. The south coast of Spain boasts long stretches of golden sands and un-touched coves to allow Brits to experience the backpacker dream on an affordable budget and attainable timescale.

Alistair Daily, Marketing Director at On the Beach comments, "As many Brits have just one or two weeks off before heading back to work, holidays in European hot spots are the perfect choice. Our research shows that British holidaymakers are looking for great value holidays this year; and with Spain, Greece and Turkey all offering discounted deals this summer it's no wonder holidaymakers are flocking to their sun kissed shores."

* Data provided from ABTA taken from ONS.

For further information please contact Lianne Mason at lianne@jpwcommunications.com or Jamie Wortley at jamie.wortley@onthebeach.co.uk by calling 01769 573 444