Nearly 2m to escape UK this weekend

Some 1.8 million British people are set to embark on foreign holidays over the bank holiday weekend, according to predictions by Abta - The Travel Association.

Travellers heading abroad between May 22nd and 25th are expected to show a preference for Spain, with the Canary Islands and the Balearics the most popular destinations of all.

Outside the eurozone, Egypt and Turkey will see the highest numbers of British visitors, while Florida is set to be the most popular long-haul location.

The top five destinations for people setting off on city breaks will be Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Rome and New York, according to Abta.

Heathrow Airport is expected to be the busiest UK hub this weekend, with 385,000 departing passengers, followed by Gatwick Airport with 220,000.

Justin Fleming, president of Abta, said: "In spite of the recession, passenger numbers this bank holiday weekend are very healthy, showing that the British love affair with foreign travel is as strong as ever."

The travel association released a study earlier this year which suggested that British people value holidays three times more than pay rises.

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