Brits to spend £8 billion in search of winter sun

The disappointing British summer has prompted Britons to seek sun elsewhere this autumn and winter. New research from Abbey Credit Cards reveals that despite the uncertain economic climate, more than 15 million people (34 per cent) plan on jetting abroad, spending a collective £8 billion in the process.

For 1.1 million (6 per cent) Britons this summer's weather was disappointing enough to tempt them into their first foreign holiday in three years.

On average Britons are going to spend nearly £550 (£546) per person on their winter holiday this year, £195 of which (36 per cent) will be paid for by credit card. Those aged between 55 and 64 years old make up a large proportion (44 per cent) of the winter holiday exodus, and will be spending more than any other age group with 25 per cent spending £1,000 or more.

The research from Abbey Credit Cards found the most popular destination was the Western European sunspots, such as southern Spain and the Canaries with 7.8 million (41 per cent of holidaymakers) planning travel to the region. Others planned to travel to more exotic winter sun destinations; 556,000 (3 per cent) intend to go to the Middle East, 782,000 (4 per cent) to Asia, 744,000 (4 per cent) to Latin America and 718,000 (4 per cent) to Africa.

Callum Gibson, Head of Abbey Credit Cards, commented: "Clearly many Britons are in need of escaping our gloomy weather and heading overseas. If you are heading abroad this winter then it's important to consider how you can make your money work harder. Choosing a fee free credit card, such as the Abbey Zero card, means that you won't have to worry about foreign exchange fees eating into your holiday spending money."

Thousands of holidaymakers have had to suffer the stress of cancelled trips due to the collapse of various tour operators and travel companies. Those holidaymakers who booked their travel using a credit card are automatically insured against such events. Here are some essential reasons why it could make sense to use your credit card for this winter's holiday:

Payment protection - should your holiday operator or airline fail to provide the service you paid for, as with the collapse of XL, you are covered under credit card insurance

0% foreign exchange fee - with Abbey Zero Abbey Zero

Security- if your card is stolen, or if you loose it while abroad, your card can be immediately cancelled with a phone call and replaced quickly

Avoid cash- carrying large amounts of cash is insecure and could leave you with left over foreign currency after your trip. With Abbey Zero you can withdraw currency from foreign ATMs as and when you need it charge free