Easter in the UK has typically been a time for catching up with family and dusting off the caravan, but new research suggests that Brits now have much more ambitious plans.
According to Travel Counsellors, average holiday spend is expected to be up by 55 per cent this year when compared to 2006, despite an increase of just 25 per cent in the number of people enjoying a break.
The average Easter holiday will cost a staggering £2,376 this year, up from just £1,533 last year, suggesting Brits are keener than ever to enjoy a bit of springtime sunshine.
As in 2006, the most popular destination among Easter travellers is the Canary Islands. This is followed by Dubai, which has risen two places in the table and replaced Sharm el Sheikh. The popular Egyptian resort is now in third place, keeping Orlando and Spain at bay in fourth and fifth positions respectively.
Other popular destinations for British holidaymakers include Thailand, Paphos, Barbados and New York, as well as Goa which has crept into the top ten once again.
The rising number of long-haul destinations on the list has been attributed to the fact that more and more holiday companies are including these locations in their brochures. Independent travel specialists are also creating tailor-made offerings, allowing adventurous holidaymakers to satisfy their wanderlust.
Travel Counsellors managing director Steve Byrne observed: "These latest statistics show that Easter is becoming an increasingly prominent holiday for Brits. What with perceived high prices during the summer holidays, and the excellent UK weather in July and August during recent years, it seems that an increasing number of holidaymakers are choosing to take their holiday at Easter."
Separate statistics from Hitwise reveal that Brits are also considering holidays to Disneyland Paris. Analysis of internet searches shows that there has been a 45 per cent increase in the number of searches for Disneyland Paris compared to last year, making this the most popular travel search online.
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