Almost 2m Brits to jet abroad this weekend

Approximately 1.8 million Britons will jet off on holidays to Spain and other destinations over the bank holiday weekend.

According to Abta - The Travel Association, more than 420,000 people will be leaving via Heathrow Airport, with 250,000 set to travel through Gatwick.

Elsewhere, Manchester Airport is preparing to handle 145,000 passengers and in Scotland 160,000 people will be flying out from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

"Beach destinations are at the top of the priority list for this time of year with the Mediterranean resorts in the Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and the Greek islands the top holiday favourites," Abta said.

The US is also proving popular, with thousands of families heading off on holidays to Florida and New York.

Abta chairman John McEwan said this weekend is the last big getaway of the summer.

A recent poll by Tesco Bank found that individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 are more likely to take a break abroad than older people.

Posted by Emily Sanders