With the August Bank Holiday weekend approaching and many wanting to have a staycation or trip away this year, Booking.com has revealed the top searched destinations for this weekend.
The team looked at destinations for stays between August 23 and August 26 with searches conducted between August 7 and August 14 this year to determine the results.
Booking.com then split the results into two categories with the top UK-searched destinations and the locations which have seen the biggest increase compared to last year.
The research revealed the destinations with the biggest increase in searches year on year for the Bank Holiday weekend, and Morocco was uncovered as a popular location, as Agadir and Marrakech both make the three.
Agadir in Morocco is just a four-hour flight away from the UK capital with the country becoming a popular location to holiday for Brits.
This is thanks to its warm weather all year round, rich culture and delicious food. The city itself is near the foot of the Atlas Mountains where it is known for its laid-back atmosphere.
Popular destinations for this August Bank Holiday weekend:
- Agadir, Morocco – 102 percent
- Salou, Spain – 69 percent
- Marrakech, Morocco – 68 percent
- Palma, Spain – 43 percent
- Paignton, England- 31 percent
- Cardiff, Wales – 21 percent
- Tenby, Wales – 18 percent
- Llandudno, Wales – 18 percent
- Great Yarmouth, England – 15 percent
Agadir is a walkable city with very affordable prices, for both hotels and restaurants. Its top three things to do, according to TripAdvisor include Crocoparc, Souk El Had d’Agadir and Plage d’Agadir. Crocoparc is a park dedicated to crocodiles and wildlife where you can get and view the animals up close.
One visitor said: “A lot of crocodiles and lovely plants from all over the world. We loved iguanas and turtles. There are also snakes and little monkeys. There are certain times every day that crocodiles are being fed in front of the guests.”
Another commented: “A lovely morning walking around Crocoparc. There’s plenty to see here – hundreds of crocodiles of all sizes, tortoises, anacondas, monkeys, iguanas etc. We timed it right for the 12:00 feeding time which was well worth it. The park is very clean and well maintained with helpful and friendly staff.”
Meanwhile, Souk El Had d’Agadir is one of the biggest markets in Morocco selling food, spices and furniture.
One traveller said: “A great market to visit with over 5,000 stalls you will not be disappointed. We were there for three 1/2 hours and only managed a small amount, there is everything from baby clothes, furniture, shoes, bags, hardware goods, furniture, food, pets!”
Another review: “The souk is not the only one in Agadir, but it is the largest and a must for visiting if you are in the area. The souq is popular with locals and holidaymakers alike, and this is reflected in the variety of stalls and their wares.”
Finally, Plage d’Agadir is a beautiful beach in the city where you can cool off with a coastal breeze. A traveller said: “There are several eateries and attractions directly across from the beach.”
Another commented: “Very clean beach that is litter picked daily. Noticed that the police patrol the promenade and beach area in a car, quad bikes and on foot giving a safe environment.”
The study also revealed London as the most searched-for destination in the UK this August Bank Holiday weekend.
And we are not surprised with the heaps of tourist attractions and things to do in the UK capital. Let’s not forget its rich history with plenty of free museums and monuments to go and explore.
The list sees Blackpool coming in second, as Brits flock to the iconic sights the city offers such as the Pleasure Beach and the Blackpool Tower Eye.
The top UK searched destinations for August Bank Holiday weekend:
- London
- Blackpool
- Edinburgh
- Bournemouth
- Manchester