Half-term trips abroad have surged by as much as 40% as families rush to escape unsettled UK weather, according to leading travel firm On the Beach. The company has reported a sharp increase in bookings for late May getaways, with a notable spike in recent days, as forecasters predict mixed conditions including warm spells but also heavy showers across Britain.
Booking Frenzy and Bargain Deals
Package specialist On the Beach has described the surge as a half-term holiday booking “frenzy,” with families eager to swap rain for sunshine. Bookings for late May departures have jumped up to 40% in just a few weeks, the firm revealed. As an added incentive, families can secure significant savings compared to peak summer travel. On the Beach notes that a week away during the May half term typically costs around £577 less than the same week in August.
Other travel firms and airlines have also observed a trend of last-minute bookings, driven by financial concerns, nervousness about the Middle East conflict, and delays at EU airports due to new border checks. This has prompted companies to offer larger discounts to encourage commitments.
Popular Destinations and Offers
Caspar Nelson, holiday expert at On the Beach, commented: “Brits can put up with a lot, but a washout half term isn’t one of them. The second the forecast starts hinting at rain and grey skies, families go into full holiday-hunting mode, searching for last-minute sunshine in Spain, Turkey and Greece.”
Among the late May offers from On the Beach are:
- A six-night all-inclusive stay at LIVVO Jandia Golf in Fuerteventura, Spain, with flights from East Midlands on Monday 25 May, costing £393 per person (based on two adults and two children).
- A five-night all-inclusive stay at BLUESEA Los Fiscos in Lanzarote, Spain, with flights from Manchester on Wednesday 27 May, costing £253 per person (based on two adults and two children).
- A five-night all-inclusive stay at Miarosa Konakli Garden in Antalya, Turkey, with flights from London Gatwick on Wednesday 27 May, costing £355 per person (based on two adults and two children).
- A seven-night all-inclusive stay at Villamarina Club in Costa Dorada, Spain, with flights from Manchester on Sunday 23 May, costing £495 per person (based on two adults and two children).
Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Antalya are among the hotspots expected to prove popular with families seeking guaranteed sunshine. The trend highlights a strong desire among Britons to secure a sunny getaway despite economic uncertainties and travel disruptions.
