Almost a third of British people return to the same holiday destination each year, new research by ATOL has discovered. The survey asked 2,000 holidaymakers about their travel habits, and found that people travel to the same destination four times a year on average, whilst over 10% of people were found to have made a return visit 10 or more times.
Spain was the most popular returning destination, with over 30 million people travelling there each year. Almost a third of those visitors booked the same hotel. Other popular destinations include Greece and Portugal; a full breakdown can be found below.
10. Crete, Greece
Crete is popular because it has one of the longest seasons for beach visits. In Southern Crete, the season stretches to late October and across the island, September is still classed as high season. If you visit in May-June, you’re more likely to find quieter hotels and discount rates.
9. California, USA
The third largest of the US states, California spans beautiful beaches, vast national parks and dramatic deserts. It’s also a cultural hub with the likes of Los Angeles, one of the world’s most creative cities. Walking fans should visit San Francisco, which has lots of walking and cycling trails along the waterfront.
8. Benidorm, Spain
Many people dismiss Benidorm as an area filled with heavy drinking British tourists, but it has a certain charm. Last year, the resort revealed that it was hoping to become an addition to Unesco’s World Heritage sites, as it has six out of 10 conditions which are necessary to be eligible, despite the fact just one condition is required to apply.
7. Corfu, Greece
Corfu can expect more visitors this year as it is currently the stunning backdrop of an ITV television series. Beyond this, it’s one of the more rural Greek islands, with lots of olive trees making up the landscape. Travel writers say it can be easy to escape the tourist feel.
6. Costa Del Sol
The Southern coast of Spain is home to the likes of Malaga and Marbella. Malaga in particular is having a ‘trendy’ moment with the recent opening of the Centre Pompidou, borrowing art works formerly housed in Paris and becoming the base of street artists.
5. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve region has been named the best value holiday destination of 2016. Travel experts say that it is full of hidden delights, such as golden beaches and small villages which feel like you have stepped back in time.
4. Orlando, USA
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, drawing in 90 million annual visitors. However, there are many other things to do such as golf, kayaking and wildlife spotting.
3. Balearic Islands, Spain
The Balearic Islands have become synonymous with club culture, with Ibiza in particular famous for its hedonistic ways. However, these days the islands are filled with travellers who wish to take advantage of the long hours of sunshine and stylish hotels. Autumn, after the partygoers and school holiday families have departed, is a great time to visit.
2. Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands are made up of seven islands, each with their own personality. Tenerife and Lanzarote are some of the most popular, with each island offering warm temperatures year round. The islands are also said to be the sunniest part of Europe.
Paris, France
The capital of France is the most popular returning destination for Britons. Travel experts say it is because the moment that you step into Paris, you feel like you are on a film set. Even when you think that you know Paris, there is always something new waiting for you to discover.
Most of the resorts on this list are accessible via airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet and Thomas Cook, so why not see what keeps people going back?
