Brits Travelling Further

ONS has reported UK residents visiting countries outside of Europe or North America in May 2014 increased 12 per cent compared to May 2013.

Brits visiting Mexico increased 133 per cent, spending an additional £220 million, since 2009
The Pound is at a six year high against many currencies
The strongest pound since 2008 will see Brits flocking to far-flung holidays to countries such as Mexico, Thailand and Morocco, as the increasing trend of holidays away from Europe and North America continues, according to analysis by currency exchange specialists, ChangeGroup.co.uk.

British visitors to France have dropped nine per cent – from 9.7m to 8.8m - in the past five years, as a strong pound has helped to spur a huge rise in trips to countries such as Mexico (133 per cent), Morocco (52 per cent), Tunisia (24 per cent) and Thailand (17 per cent).

The influx of tourists to Mexico has brought an avalanche of £338 million worth of Pesos to the beaches of Cancun and other resorts - £220 million more than was spent in 2009.

Although the Pound is at a strong position against the Euro, it fairs just as good and sometimes better against other currencies. The Pound is at its highest against the Thai Baht at 55.3 to the Pound, while in Mexico, a Pound will get you 22.4 Pesos.

According to ChangeGroup.co.uk’s internal data, the Thai Baht and Mexican Peso have been the fourth and fifth most requested currencies over the past month as Brits prepare for the great summer getaway4.

The figures also reveal Brits shying away from places like Egypt, which has seen a drop-off of 46 per cent in visits from UK residents since 2009.  This resulted in £200 million pounds less being spent each year.