THE British seaside is still the favourite Bank Holiday destination although a record number of people are flying abroad for a short break.
About 18 million cars will take to the road this weekend. Candyfloss, donkey rides and fish and chips will attract about 15 million visitors to beaches. But more than two million flights to and from overseas holiday resorts have also been booked.
Today and Saturday are expected to be the busiest days at airports with nearly half a million people flying out of Heathrow. Majorca, the Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Portugal, the Greek islands, Italy, Cyprus and Turkey are the most popular destinations.
Brighton is the most popular domestic seaside destination because of its pier, shops and nightlife, a survey by Mint credit card said yesterday. The South Coast resort received a fifth of votes. The Association of British Travel Agents estimates that more than 1.6 million people will head overseas during the Bank Holiday period, on plane, boat and train.
About 850,000 will fly from southeast England alone and nearly 400,000 will leave from regional airports.
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The seven main airports run by BAA will handle 1.84million passenger bookings, compared with 1.77 million last August Bank Holiday.
Eurostar has put on an extra eight trains to cope with demand for London to Paris and Brussels services, with 140,000 customers expected to travel.
It said that a planned RMT union strike tomorrow by some of its staff was not expected to disrupt schedules.
Those heading for the coast can expect dry and warm weather tomorrow and Sunday but rain could move into northern and western areas on Sunday afternoon.
Blackpool was runner-up in the Mint poll and Whitby came third. The top three theme parks were Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Legoland.
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London, Edinburgh and York were voted the top three destinations for a Bank Holiday city break; the Lake District and Peak District were the favourite national parks for walking.
Nearly a quarter of those questioned said that they would do something unusual. Events being held this weekend include a bowls festival in Great Yarmouth, sedan-chair racing in Tunbridge Wells and the world bog snorkelling championships in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys.
The champion bog snorkellor must traverse two lengths of a murky peat bog, through mud, weeds and bugs. Last year’s world record of 95 seconds was set by Philip John, of Bridgend.
Drivers face roadworks and speed restrictions on many major routes and warnings of lengthy delays at peak times. A 40mph limit is in place on the M25 near Heathrow while roadworks and other restrictions are affecting the M1, M2, M5 and M6.
Long-distance family trips in the car are dreaded by 67 per cent of drivers, according to a survey by RoadChef, the motorway service providers.
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Two thirds of motorists said that car journeys with their families were the most stressful trips; compared with the 14 per cent who voted for trying to find a place to park in a busy town and the 13 per cent who cited their daily commute to work.
Those travelling by rail also face disruption, with cancellations and diversions in place on main lines.
The West Coast Main Line will be closed from tomorrow until Monday between Hemel Hempstead and Lichfield, and Manchester and Stockport.