25 September 2008
People disappointed with the British summer are hoping to soak up some last minute sun by heading abroad this autumn and winter, new research shows. According to a survey by Abbey Credit Cards, 34% of Brits are planning an overseas trip in the coming months, despite the economic climate. And many will be using their credit cards to fund their holidays, with around £195 of the average £546 spent by each person being paid for on plastic. Destinations such as Spain and the Canary Islands look set to attract the most British tourists, although more exotic locations in the Middle East and Asia are also expected to be popular. Callum Gibson, Head of Abbey Credit Cards, said: "Clearly many Britons are in need of escaping our gloomy weather and heading overseas." He advised those paying for a trip with a credit card to choose a fee free deal to ensure they are not hit by foreign exchange fees. Figures released recently by the UK payments association Apacs reveal that Brits have also been using their credit cards to pay for home improvement projects, with £11.9 billion spent on plastic in DIY stores over the last year.