As the days get shorter, darker and colder, Brits are in need of a getaway during our imminent school half term. Bookings through online travel agent Opodo reveals their most popular destination, as well as how their  travelling choices have changed compared to this time last year.  

Most popular booked destination:

• During the October half term week in both 2023 and 2024*, Amsterdam takes top spot: the number 1 destination for UK travellers in this period.
• Istanbul has climbed to 2nd most popular destination, from 4th place in 2023.
• Some destinations are newcomers compared to last year’s top 10, including New Delhi (3rd place), Antalya (8th place) and Madrid (9th place). Then there are Prague, Dublin and New York City which have all fallen out of the top 10 compared to 2023. 

Which airports are most in demand?

For October half term this year, most travellers (27%) will depart from Heathrow Airport, with Gatwick Airport not far behind (26%). Manchester International takes third place (11%)  and Luton International comes in fourth (7% ). Stansted, Newcastle, Bristol and Turnhouse all rank as the chosen departure point for 3% of the total.

Length of stay: 

The majority of travellers during this October half term are preferring a quick trip away, with the majority (36%) choosing to jet off for just 2-3 days. 30% of travellers are opting for a longer stay of 4-5 days, while less than a quarter (22%) are travelling for the full week (6-7 days). Just 13% are away for over a week (8-9 days).

Popular UK flight destinations: 

Brits are also booking flights for domestic travel, with the most popular destinations being Belfast (23%), London (18%), and  Edinburgh (10%), with Glasgow not far behind (9%).

Visitors to the UK: 

During our October Half Term dates the UK will also be welcoming travellers from abroad. Their favourite destination is our bustling capital,  with London ranking at a whopping 74% of booked flights from abroad. Edinburgh comes second, with  10%. And who is coming to the UK during this period? German travellers are the keenest (25%) of bookings, with French not far behind  (18%).  

Here are the top destinations for 2023 and 2024, according to Opodo: 

For Brits still hoping to travel during October half term, there are lots of great late deals and Opodo Prime savings to be made, including:

Manchester to Amsterdam: Return flights – Departure on 28th October from Manchester International to Amsterdam Schiphol, returning on 30th October from Amsterdam Schiphol to Manchester International

London to Istanbul: Return flights – Departure on 28th October from London Luton to Istanbul Airport, returning on 2nd November from Istanbul Airport to London Gatwick

Belfast to Edinburgh: Return flights – Departure on 31st October from Belfast International to Edinburgh Turnhouse, returning on 3rd November from Edinburgh Turnhouse to Belfast International