Bad weather tempting people abroad this summer

Millions more Brits are taking a summer holiday this year, suggesting that for some at least, the awful weather and sports overload may be enough to trump the rocky financial outlook.

A poll by satnav specialists TomTom found that more than one in four (26%) decided to stay at home last summer in the hope of saving money.

That figure has dropped to one in five (21%) this summer, with many more choosing to take their holidays in June and July.

Last year, only 17% of holidaymakers went away in June, and 18% in July. August was the most popular month for vacations, with 24% jetting off in this month.

This year, 21% have taken their holidays in June and July, and 22% in August, suggesting some would rather avoid this year's big national events.

The economy might be struggling, but that is not putting some Britons off, with a third (31%) saying they are looking for sunshine this summer, and 42% saying they just want to "relax".

Only 22 per cent have chosen the cheapest option for their break, suggesting the end of the big 'staycation' revolution and a return to sun, sea and sand abroad.

Spain, including Majorca and the other islands, continues to be the most popular single destination, although 38% of Brits say they would choose a tropical paradise island if money was no object.

The survey suggests the traditional summer holiday is something Brits would rather not give up, with almost seven in 10 (69%) admitting it is "important" to them.

A spokesman for TomTom said: "Every cloud has a silver lining - in this case
literally because the weather has been so awful it has persuaded many to go
on holiday.

"Money is tight but enough is enough and a lot of those who gave up their
summer holidays last year and ended up in British drizzle are not prepared
to do the same this year, it seems."