ABTA, The Travel Association estimated that 1.9 million Brits escaped the summer washout at home by heading away over the Bank Holiday weekend (24-27 August). Friday and Saturday was the busiest days with almost 1 million flying from the South East alone. Over 400,000 left from Heathrow, 260,000 from Gatwick, 160,000 from Stansted and 90,000 from Luton.

Meanwhile nearly 400,000 left through regional airports including 160,000 from Manchester,12,000 from Southampton, 65,000 from Birmingham and 40,000 from Nottingham East Midlands.

In addition 70,000 used Eurostar for trips to France, and Belgium. A further 400,000 people headed for the continent by ferry or Eurotunnel.

Mediterranean resorts in the Balearic and Canary Islands, mainland Spain, and the Greek islands remain the summer holiday favourites, while Egypt, Cyprus and Turkey follow closely behind.

City breaks have sold very well and old favourites New York, Amsterdam, Dublin and Rome lead the way.

Justin Fleming ABTA President said: The August Bank holiday is our traditional farewell to the summer and after three months of rain it is no surprise that thousands of us are heading abroad to catch some sun and relax.