With such a disappointing summer climate in the UK, the number of Brits looking to get away in the coming months is expected to be unusually high.
With such a disappointing summer climate in the UK, the number of Brits looking to get away in the coming months is expected to be unusually high. According to the Association of British Travel Agents, an estimated 13 million Brits will head abroad in the coming months, even though it means they might miss some of the Olympic Games.
While the extension of the holiday season sounds like a welcome change, many destinations across Europe look likely to be busier than they have been for some time – meaning tourists could face larger crowds than anticipated. With most seeking some much-needed rest and relaxation while away, facing hordes of travellers on their journey is unlikely to be an attractive prospect.
Offering an alternative to traditional hotel accommodation, villa holidays are expected to soar in popularity this year as travellers look to attain peace and quiet during their well-earned breaks. Renting villas provides greater privacy and can be found in virtually any destination.
Lanzarote
The fourth largest of the Canary Islands, which lie just off the North coast of Africa, Lanzarote is a popular destination for Brits all year round. The island offers spectacular volcanic scenery as well as some of Europe's finest beaches, but the really great news is that villas in Lanzarote are affordable and not hard to find.
To get the most from the island it’s advisable for visitors to pick up a hire car. This not only gives you free reign of the island’s best towns and beaches but it could also enables visitors to access villas located in isolated spots.
Majorca
Nestled in the Mediterranean, Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and is equally as attractive as Lanzarote for those after a quick European getaway. Visitors to Majorca will have to trade in the impressive volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, but in return they get luscious rolling green hills which wind their way down to beautiful beaches and coves. Bliss.
There are plenty of villas in Majorca to cater to all budgets and, as with Lanzarote, Majorca is best explored by car – although there is ample public transport for those on a tighter budget.
Portugal
For those looking for a diverse holiday destination, or simply one not entirely surrounded by water, Portugal has a lot to offer. From the bustling and characteristic centre of Lisbon to the quaint and tranquil villages of the country's south, Portugal is a destination capable of pleasing even the fussiest of travellers.
The north and south of the country each have something different to offer. Those in search of a little piece of history should head to the country's north, while sun seekers will be better off heading to the southern Algarve coast. In either case, cheap villas in Portugal are readily available for those keeping a close eye on the pennies. The number of tourists staying in villas in Portugal is expected to rise this year after an increase in overall visitor numbers was noted last year, when more than 27.5 million holidaymakers arrived in Portugal.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
