Two thirds of Brits plan late summer holiday

With the current bad weather hitting the UK set to last because of a weather feature known as the ‘Adores High’, an increased number of fed up Brits are packing their bags and heading for sunnier shores according to one tour operator.

Statistics released by Jet2holidays.com, reveal a 48% rise in sales for late summer holidays, with independent research carried out by the tour operator showing that two thirds (67 per cent) of people are planning last minute breaks during July and August to escape the bad weather.

What’s more, the research also revealed that more than 40 per cent cited our atrocious weather as their Number One reason for escaping the summer gloom – well ahead of talk of the credit crunch (11 per cent), petrol strikes (two per cent) and even Big Brother (12 per cent).

Mandy Round, General Manager at Jet2holidays.com, said: “It appears that the British public has finally had enough of the foul weather and are taking advantage of the warmer climates on offer from their doorsteps.

“I would urge anyone tired of the incessant rain to view what we have to offer and take advantage of the fantastic deals.”

With predicted average rainfall for the UK throughout July a depressing (135mm*/24 days p/m), this is in stark contrast to traditional summer destinations, such as Spain (0.3mm/one day p/m) and Portugal (0.1mm/ one day p/m), which can be reached from Jet2holidays.com’s six regional hubs in the North of England.

The picture from weather analysts suggest that the current climate pattern will continue, meaning ongoing interest in overseas holidays. Senior Weather Forecaster Jonathan Powell from long range forecasters, Positive Weather Solutions, said: “Last summer was dreadful and this summer looks equally as unsettled with plenty of rain around, although probably not as much as 2007, any which way, not very positive for British tourism.

“If you’re looking for hot, dry and sunny weather in Europe, my best bet would be Spain, Italy, Greece, Malta or Turkey. Anywhere in Southern Europe should suffice, but be warned that the further south you go the more intense the heat.”

*Based on average rainfall for July 2007 provided by the Met Office

For bookings visit jet2holidays.com.