1.8 million holidaymakers to leave UK for August bank holiday

The Balearic Islands are still the UK's favourite summer destination as 1.8 million British holidaymakers prepare to go abroad for the August bank holiday.

According to ABTA, Spain is the UK's favourite destination followed by Turkey and the Greek Islands. Those looking for late sun are heading to Egypt and Tunisia.

Many travel businesses have reported that the British weather this summer has encouraged holidaymakers abroad while Brits are also taking advantage of the strong pound versus the euro.

Domestic tour operators are reporting good demand along the South Coast, the South West and the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey.

Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin are the favourites for city breaks.

Airports are reporting that: 250,000 passengers will leave from Gatwick, 124,000 from Stansted and 68,500 from Luton this weekend. It is expected that 150,000 will leave from Manchester, 62,500 from Birmingham, 45,000 from Bristol, 10,000 from Cardiff and 25,500 from Leeds Bradford.

ABTA also estimates more than 400,000 passengers will leave from Heathrow and over 100,000 will be leaving from Scottish airports.

Eurostar is reporting that 60,000 will depart the UK this weekend with the destinations of Paris, Disneyland Paris, Amsterdam, Avignon, Lyon and Bruges proving most popular.

By Diane Evans