Bank holiday getaway begins today

Cross channel ferries and other overseas travel options are set to prove popular over the coming weekend as some 1.8 million British people escape the country for the bank holiday period.

Abta - The Travel Association said that ferry terminals will be "very busy" between May 22nd and 25th, a period which also marks the start of most schools' half-term holiday.

Ferries to Dublin and Amsterdam will prove popular over the weekend, with these two destinations among the top city break hotspots along with the likes of Paris and Rome.

Spain, the traditional favourite among British holidaymakers, is expected to remain the most popular destination this weekend.

Justin Fleming, president of Abta, said: "In spite of the recession, passenger numbers this bank holiday weekend are very healthy, showing that the British love affair with foreign travel is as strong as ever."

Travel options for people heading overseas this weekend include ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao provided by P&O Ferries and Stena Line's ferries from Holyhead to Dublin.

Written by Andrew Smith