Top 5 Holiday Destinations for British People in 2024

46% of British people plan on taking family holidays each year, and 2024 is no exception, according to a London Daily News survey. The most popular holiday destination for British people in 2024 is Spain, with 37% of Brits wanting to visit with their families.

Italy, France and Portugal come second, third and fourth respectively, preferred by 32%, 16% and 15% of Brits. Almost half of British people are after a luxury beach holiday (42%), while multi-destination trips, activity-based trips and sustainable trips take the next places with 17%, 14% and 13% respectively.

Read on to discover the leading holiday destinations for British people.

1. Spain

The leading holiday destination for Brits is Spain — a favourite choice for decades. The perennial big-hitters are the Balearic islands:

• Ibiza
• Menorca
• Mallorca (Majorca)

I really enjoy going to Majorca. It has been my family holiday destination on multiple occasions, thanks to its:

• Breathtaking scenery
• Delectable cuisine
• Reliable sunshine
• Stunning beaches and coves

British holidaymakers after year-round sunshine head to the Canary Islands, including La Palma, La Gomera and Tenerife. The Costa de la Luz is a popular mainland beach destination, while Catalonia offers one of the most beautiful coastlines.

Spain has more to offer than just beaches. I also recommend self-guided walking, city breaks and cycling holidays in places like Seville, Palma and Catalonia.

2. Italy

Why Italy? Ancient culture, friendly and charming people, and fantastic food are the main reasons Brits visit. Want a taste of la dolce vita? Visit Venice, Florence and Rome. After an extra dash of old-school glamour? Venice should be your next destination — and experts recommend visiting out of season to sidestep the crowds.

For beach lovers, Puglia in the south boasts around 500 miles of coastline. Tuscany is equally popular (and busy), but a family villa can make your holiday memorable. Sicily effortlessly blends historical sites with gorgeous coastlines, Sardinia has some of the country's most stunning beaches, and the Amalfi Coast is the perfect base for visiting Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Capri and Sorrento.

3. France

France isn't short of destinations to explore, whether you prefer the coastline or the countryside. Aquitaine is perfect for:

• Sandy beaches
• Delicious seafood
• Surfing

Brits also enjoy the historic villages, cycle paths and pine forests of the Île de Ré, and the beaches of Corsica are highly recommended.

4. Portugal

Portugal features glorious countryside, great food, historic cities, warm and welcoming locals and beautiful beaches — it's easy to see why it's the fourth most popular family destination for British holidaymakers. The Algarve is a firm favourite, the Alentejo is popular with residents and visitors alike, and Madeira is the favourite island for many Brits.

5. Thailand

Thailand continues its meteoric rise with British holidaymakers and is becoming a mainstream favourite. Its appeal is obvious:

• Good value
• Friendly people
• Sensational food
• White sand beaches
• Lush countryside

Infused with Buddhist ideals, Thailand also has a unique cultural heritage. Bangkok fizzes with excitement and energy, many Brits love Chiang Mai in the north, and Phuket remains the island that attracts the most attention.

Planning Your Next Family Holiday

Looking for inspiration for your next family holiday? Look no further than these five popular countries — each has multiple destinations to explore with your family. And when you're back home and craving that holiday feeling year-round, take a look at how to bring a little of it into your interiors in the journal.