Brits are set to flock to the Canary Islands in droves next year, with new data from online travel agent loveholidays revealing the archipelago as its most popular destination for holidaymakers in 2023. Known for its warm climate, family-friendly breaks and dramatic volcanic scenery, the holiday hot spot has seen a 42% increase in bookings for 2023 versus 2022.
Spain's mainland and Turkey are the second and third top choices for 2023 holidays, with bookings to both European destinations also up significantly year-on-year (72% and 52%, respectively). Both are easily reachable from airports across the UK and are popular destinations year-round.
With Brits clearly keen for sunshine, rest and relaxation, the Greek Islands and the Balearics round out the top five. With piercing blue seas and ancient villages, which make for picturesque holiday snaps, both destinations offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Portugal is the sixth most-popular destination for 2023, while Italy and France rank seventh and eighth, with both locations also seeing the largest year-on-year uplift in bookings (88% and 143%, respectively). The USA is the farthest afield on the list, coming in at ninth, while Egypt completed the top 10.
According to a recent consumer research poll by loveholidays, nearly a quarter (23%) of Brits say they plan to travel to more affordable destinations next year to help curb their holiday spending.
A study of 2,000 holidaymakers found just under half (47 per cent) are open to making changes to the way they holiday if it means they can still get away amid the cost-of-living crisis, with more than a third (35 per cent) planning to opt for short haul rather than far-flung destinations as a result.
Simon Calder reveals his pick of where to go for the best holiday deals
And based on loveholidays’ booking data, the cost of living isn’t only impacting where holidaymakers travel but also how they choose to travel. The duration of travellers’ stays is down 11% year-on-year, while luxury and spa breaks are slightly less popular in 2023. Meanwhile, city breaks have seen a 93% increase versus 2022.
Al Murray, from loveholidays, said: “After years of having to put travel aside, it’s great to see Brits aren’t letting anything get in the way of their holidays in 2023, despite many having tighter budgets.
“While travel is clearly here to stay, consumers will likely be more mindful of where and how they go abroad – whether that be opting for destinations closer to home or planning trips outside of peak times to help cut costs.
“And with value for money now more important than ever, loveholidays’ flexible payment options and unrivalled choice of hotels and flights means we have packages to suit all budgets, making it even easier to get away next year.”
loveholidays’ top picks for its most popular 2023 destinations
Lanzarote, Canary Islands: Apartments Morromar THe Home Collection
Deal: From £293pp for seven nights from 1st February 2023, flying from and returning to Edinburgh with easyJet
Costa del Sol, Spain: Holiday World Polynesia Hotel
Deal: From £327pp for seven nights from 20th April 2023, flying from and returning to Bristol with Ryanair
Antalya, Turkey: Ramada Resort Hotel
Deal: From £369pp for seven nights from 15th April 2023, flying from and returning to Liverpool with easyJet
Rhodes, Greek Islands: The Ixian Grand & All Suites
Deal: From £612pp for seven nights from 6th May 2023, flying from and returning to Birmingham with Ryanair
Majorca, Balearic Islands: Eix Lagotel Holiday Resort
Deal: From £214pp for seven nights from 5th May 2023, flying from and returning to London Stansted with Ryanair
Algarve, Portugal: Auramar Beach Resort
Deal: From £253pp for seven nights from 7th March 2023, flying from and returning to Edinburgh with Ryanair
Rome, Italy: Raganelli Hotel
Deal: From £321pp for seven nights from 2nd March 2023, flying from and returning to London Gatwick with Vueling
Disneyland Paris, France: Staycity Paris Marne la Vallee
Deal: From £188pp for four nights from 27th February March 2023, flying from and returning to Manchester with easyJet
New York, USA: YOTEL New York At Times Squar
Deal: From £507pp for four nights from 3rd February 2023, flying from and returning to London Gatwick with jetBlue
Red Sea, Egypt: The Cleopatra Luxury Resor
Deal: From £589pp for four nights from 9th March 2023, flying from and returning to London Luton with easyJet
For more 2023 travel inspiration, click here.
