We're all going on a summer holiday

With many schools having broken up for summer and the rest just about to, it seems people in this country have abandoned the idea of a British summer in favour of a sunshine break abroad.

Research from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) shows that average summer holiday bookings are up on last year, despite the economic doom and gloom.

The country with the highest increase in bookings is Egypt, along with Turkey and the US, reports TravelMole.

However, Spain remains the number one destination for Brits heading abroad this year, which includes popular destinations such as the Canary Islands.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said the credit crunch has heightened some trends in bookings.

"Spain for example is still the top destination this year, but as a mature destination - and with the strong euro - greater growth is being experienced in the mid to long haul destinations outside of the eurozone, which is where many ABTA members have concentrated new programmes," he commented.

A recent study from financial services provider Abbey revealed that people in Britain will spend a collective £600 million less on their holidays this year as they strive to save money in the wake of the credit crunch.