The Maldives, Spain and Greece are the most sought after holiday destinations of the year according to new study.
Corona Test Centre has analysed the search volume and average cost of a holiday to determine which are the most anticipated destinations people want, as well as which are the best value for money. The analysis looks into metrics such as the average cost of a hotel, number of Instagram hashtags, number of entertainment spots, and the cost of a beer, to reveal the best value locations you can visit post Covid-19.
The top 10 countries Brits are searching for holidays around most are:
Renowned for its stunning tranquillity, the Maldives takes the crown as the most sought after destination to visit with a staggering 571,000 people in the UK searching for holidays and travel there in the last six months. In the last month alone, searches for holidays in the Maldives reached 60,500, which is over six times more than searches for holidays in Italy, Iceland, France, Portugal and South Africa.
However, with the Maldives being at least a 10-hour flight and pricey in certain areas, we worked with Corona Test Centre to also find the best destination overall for popularity, entertainment and cost.
The 10 travel destinations for UK holidaymakers to travel to are:
- Spain
- United States
- Italy
- Mexico
- France
- Greece
- Maldives
- Turkey
- Thailand
- Malta
Edward Heywood, at Corona Test Centre, said: “Lockdown has prevented millions of people from going abroad and enjoying a holiday with friends and family. With tests a crucial part of keeping people at home and abroad safe while the vaccine program continues, it’s great to see which destinations are our favourites, with Spain unsurprisingly taking the top spot in Europe as the UK’s most popular holiday destination.
“With additional restrictions involved in going abroad this summer, it’s crucial for travellers and tourists to consider all elements of their trip to make it as relaxing an experience as possible. It’s also crucial that holidaymakers are regularly updating themselves with the latest COVID-restriction updates to ensure safe travel.”
The Top 5 Expert Tips & Tricks for Safe Travel During Covid-19
- Know the COVID-19 Rate of Where You Are Travelling To: While many of you will have at least one vaccination it’s still crucial to assess COVID-19 levels in the area and country you are travelling to. If these are high, this puts you at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19, and while you may have protection from the virus, friends and family may not.
- Know the Restrictions at Your Destination: While you’re at your destination, there will be local restrictions on activities that may differ to where you have travelled from. This ranges from whether you have to wear a mask to whether the local bars and restaurants are open.
- Plan Ahead When Testing: There is still a lot of confusion about what tests are needed to travel, depending on the destination. This can range from whether they accept passengers who have been vaccinated, or require a PCR or Antigen fit to fly test. To find an area’s Covid-19 test positivity rate and test requirements, visit the website of its local public health department. This allows you to plan your Covid tests ahead of time, reduce anxiety and save on fees from last minute testing.
- Stay Safe When Flying: Because of how air is filtered and circulates on aeroplanes, the Covid-19 virus does not spread easily on flights. However, crowded flights can make social distancing difficult so it’s important to limit contact and wear a face-covering during the flight and when boarding and leaving the aircraft. Instead of using traditional boarding passes or handing it to staff for inspection, opt for an electronic or mobile pass which you can put on the scanner and display yourself.
- Choose Safe Activities: While enclosed places such as indoor bars or restaurants may be legal at a destination you visit, they carry a significantly greater risk of contracting Covid-19. On entering and leaving any community facility, you should always wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds using soap and water.
