Traditional sun-and-beach breaks remain the most popular type of holiday among British travellers, according to ABTA’s 2026–27 holiday habits survey. The findings point to continued interest in Spain, including the Costa del Sol and other Andalusian coastal destinations.
The survey of 2,082 UK adults found that 36% had visited Spain in the previous 12 months, up four percentage points on the previous year. Spain is also the destination planned by the largest share of respondents for the next 12 months: 26%. The Costa del Sol was among the top three destinations named.
ABTA says 57% of family holidays planned for the 2026–27 season are expected to be sun-and-beach breaks. It also identified rising interest in September and early autumn, a period when travellers may find milder weather, lower prices and fewer visitors.
The survey suggests travellers are balancing holiday plans with cost concerns. While 70% of UK adults said they intended to travel abroad in the next year, 46% had already booked an international trip, down from 48% in the previous survey. ABTA also found that 63% of respondents travelling abroad opted for a package holiday.
The figures indicate continued demand for Spain, but are based on reported travel and intentions rather than confirmed bookings for the Costa del Sol.