May proving a busy month for travel despite economic and geopolitical challenges.

Families looking to escape the UK for May half-term are jetting off on short-haul breaks, with holiday favourites in the Mediterranean proving popular.

With most schools breaking up on Friday, this weekend is set to be a busy one for travel with families looking to make the most of the half-term by heading abroad on holiday.

May is typically a popular month for travel – with ABTA’s most recent research showing that 17% of UK adults who planned to take a holiday abroad saying they planned to do so during this period1.

Many ABTA members are reporting strong demand for short-haul sunshine breaks in May and over half-term, particularly to Spain, Italy, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Portugal, Croatia and Greece. Popular beach destinations include Majorca, Alicante and Tenerife.

City breaks are also in demand, with Milan, Nice, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Budapest, Dublin and Rome among the leading destinations. Some ABTA members are also reporting strong bookings for cruises so they can visit multiple spots in the Mediterranean.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, said: “In the face of economic and geopolitical challenges people are still getting away on their holidays this May and making the most of some excellent deals. The appeal of holidays abroad, and our determination to enjoy them continues to be strong, with there being no replacement for experiencing different landscapes, cultures, cuisine, and the people and experiences other places offer. For many, it’s about choosing a holiday that offers both value and peace of mind, which is where package holidays prove their worth.”