Travel agents TUI reveals Kent residents' top holiday destinations

Despite the two hottest years on record across the UK in 2022 and 2023, the increasingly tropical weather hasn't stopped us from heading abroad in search of the sun.

Families throughout Kent have already been making plans for the toasty months ahead, with thousands booking trips to some of the most scorching destinations on the planet.

Many would have made some of their plans following the Christmas break.

Viewed as the busiest time of the year for bookings by the UK travel industry, ‘Sunshine Saturday’ took place last weekend.

It is believed to be the most popular day of the year for Brits booking a summer get-away.

So, intrigued by where those in the county were heading to, KentOnline spoke to travel company TUI.

The German tourism giants crunched the numbers and revealed the top 10 places residents from the county are going to in June, July and August.

In reverse order, they were:

10. Italy: With its unbeatable cuisine and rich culture, the boot-shaped paradise comes in at number 10 for destinations people in the county are visiting this summer. Whether it's Rome, Milan or Venice, the country will leave you jaw-dropped throughout your stay - so much so a spot at number 10 will no doubt come as a bit of a surprise to many. The country epitomises class, coolness and beauty.

9. USA: The third-most populated country on the planet, the Land of the Free continues to attract people in huge numbers. The likes of New York and Las Vegas will always ensure the States has big tourist numbers. But it's not just city breaks which keep people coming. Car journeys such as Route 66 and expeditions like Yellowstone mean this country offers so much more than most for voyagers.

8. Mexico: Beating its North American neighbours in eighth spot is Mexico. Festival-fever, joyous jungles and cosmopolitan cities mean the country is a massive favourite with sightseers. Its ambient temperatures and iconic landmarks, including Chichen Itza, it offers something for everyone. Its metropolis capital, Mexico City, is also the fifth most populated city in the world.

7. Egypt: Hot and historic, Egypt continues to be a place at the top of people's travel wishlist. But when you see the Great Pyramids and Sphinx in front of you, it is hardly a surprise why people flock here every year. One of the most intelligent and creative civilisations in humanity, and not just for having a huge fondness for felines, Egypt also has the Nile and some of the world's most absorbing museums.

6. Cyprus: Peaceful countryside and party-themed night fever, Cyprus is the sixth most booked destinations for Kent folk this summer. It also enters the top six behind five other European locations. The country has some of the most sensational beaches on the globe, as well as monasteries and ancient houses of worship which will take your breath away. A younger generation may also be booking clubbing hostpot Ayia Napa - which shows no signs of slowing down in providing a week-long gala of fun and dance.

5. Mainland Spain: In somewhat of a surprisingly low fifth place is mainland Spain. Barcelona alone is one of the most beautiful sights on Earth - with an afternoon's walk through Montjuic as simply dazzling experience. Capital Madrid, the flamingo paradise of Seville and the Basque mountains of Bilbao are some of the other destinations no doubt many of you have booked already this summer.

4. Canary Islands: Sitting off the coast of northwestern Africa is an archipelago, or group of Islands, known as the Canaries. Consisting of seven territories - known as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro - each brings its own character of peninsula bliss to holiday-goers. Despite each Island's relatively small size, don't let that fool you. The Canary Islands feature geographical extravaganzas including volcanoes, dunes and beachy coves, plus all-year-round sunshine.

3. Balearic Islands: Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera make up this stunning group of four Islands about 130 miles to the east of coastal Spain. But they are more than just party eye-candy. As well as hosting some of the best music anthems in Europe, the Balearic Islands also feature an abundance of white beaches and mountainous peaks. It is no surprise they are currently the top of people's wishlists when heading to Spain.

2. Turkey: As we move east on the map, transcontinental Turkey takes second spot on our list. It is located in southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia and borders the Black Sea. However, despite being twice the flight time compared to our four Islands at number three, it remains highly popular with Kent residents. Hot, affordable and offering a rich selection of delicious dishes like kebabs and baklava, it also has a deep history which must not be forgotten. It also attracts thousands of visitors due to its healthcare treatments.

1. Greece: At the very top of the list is Greece. Comprising virtually everything which the other nine destinations offer, this country has it all. It is nothing short of intriguing. With the Acropolis in Athens the epicentre and jewel in the crown of a surrounding bordered paradise, Greece is viewed by many as the birthplace of philosophy, science, and the arts. Its islands are must-visit spots. The level of interest from Kent is therefore unlikely to stop any time soon.

TUI also revealed which places were top to visit during the same period in 2023.

Greece and Turkey, plus the Balearic and Canary Islands, remained in exactly the same top four spots.

Meanwhile Cyprus took fifth place, followed by mainland Spain, Egypt, Italy, Mexico and Cape Verde.