Close to 2m to head abroad this weekend

The forthcoming August bank holiday weekend will see 1.9 million British people head overseas, according to Abta.

A "bumper late booking market" has emerged this summer, according to the travel association, with many people eager to escape the uncertain weather at home.

Beach destinations such as the Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Turkey, Portugal and Greece are among the most popular for bank holiday getaways.

European cities such as Paris and Amsterdam are also expected to see an influx of British travellers this weekend, along with the US favourites of New York and Orlando.

Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport will be among the busiest gateways over the bank holiday period, according to Abta.

John McEwan, chairman of the travel association, said: "Many families see the bank holiday as their last ditch attempt to get a holiday abroad to get some guaranteed sunshine. This is more true this year than ever.

"Obviously people have been holding onto their money until they are sure they have enough to go away with and as a result we have seen a surge in late bookings."

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