Tags: abta, diamond jubilee, travel money cards

Millions of Brits are planning to make the most of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by heading abroad for the long weekend, research has revealed.

The extra bank holiday means that most workers will get a four-day weekend, and it seems that many are choosing to spend it elsewhere.

Research by travel association ABTA has found that around two million Britons are planning on leaving the country over the Jubilee weekend.

With the pound currently strong against the weak euro, many Brits are heading to European countries to take advantage of the good exchange rate.

The research by ABTA found that airports in London will be the busiest, as Londoners try to escape the Jubilee crowds descending on the capital for the celebrations.

It is estimated that around 410,000 travellers will leave from Heathrow Airport, while Gatwick and Stansted will experience passenger numbers of 200,000 and 120,000 respectively.

Elsewhere in the UK, Manchester and Birmingham will handle around 140,000 and 60,000 passengers respectively. More than 100,000 will be leaving from Scottish airports.

“Millions of us will be taking a break in the UK with thousands flocking to London to join in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations,” said Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive.

“But the long weekend provided by the extra bank holidays has also given millions of holidaymakers the opportunity to head off overseas and take advantage of the pound’s strength against the Euro.”

ABTA estimates that around four million people will be holidaying in the UK, while around 2.5 million are planning on holding a Jubilee party.

The research by ABTA follows that of VisitEngland, which also found that around four million Brits will be taking at least one overnight stay in the UK.

“The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will kick off the summer in Royal style and showcase our heritage to the world,” said James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive.

“The double bank holiday is a great opportunity to get out for a day trip or short break and discover what England has to offer, and it’s great to see that so many Brits are planning to do just that.”

VisitEngland estimates that the long weekend will generate around £700 million in tourism spend for the UK, just under £600 million of which will be in England alone.

If you are planning on using the long weekend to travel abroad, consider taking out a prepaid travel money card before you leave. This will enable you to withdraw money safely abroad, while avoiding expensive bank fees for foreign card use.