UK holidaymakers nervous about Brexit are snubbing Europe this summer and opting for hotspots like Turkey instead.
Thomas Cook report that 48 per cent of its package holiday bookings for this summer are to destinations outside Europe.
Turkey, seen by many as value for money, has become this summer’s most popular destination behind Spain.
Britain’s holiday giant believes the “political turmoil” may have caused the switch.
They said holidaymakers are looking elsewhere amid concerns about Brexit uncertainty and the weakness of the pound against the Euro.
Experts have previously warned Brits were avoiding trips to Europe over fears about passports being valid for their trip.
Brexit: Tories STILL refusing to budge on their red lines say Labour
They are also concerned about having to pay for a visa and long queues at passport control.
But now Thomas Cook report Turkey had replaced Greece for the number two spot of most “desirable” destinations.
Turkey, which was number three last year, now accounts for a quarter of all Thomas Cook Airlines flight only bookings.
And in total they have seen a ten per cent rise in bookings outside Europe compared to the same time last year.
They said more holidaymakers are opting for all-inclusive breaks with their food and drinks coming as part of the package.
Tunisia is another non-European Union becoming more popular, with package trip bookings doubled year-on-year.
Thomas Cook quizzed 3,422 of its customers and found the prolonged uncertainty around Brexit also led to many holidaymakers delaying their decision on when and where to book.
Will Waggott, chief of tour operating for Thomas Cook, said: “Britain may be living through unique times from a political perspective, however our desire to holiday abroad is clear.
“Thomas Cook’s 2019 Holiday Report reveals that the political turmoil is having an impact in other ways, revealing itself in a clear shift to non-EU countries and a growth in all-inclusive.
“Turkey has already overtaken Greece to claim the number two spot of most desirable summer destinations and Tunisia is working its way back up the popularity stakes as it re-establishes itself as a hotspot for British tourists.”
A total of 4,000 younger travellers were also surveyed and showed they were moving away from the old foam parties of the 18-30 days.
Instead of tanning and clubbing they are opting for “healing not peeling” - wanting to relax and recharge instead.
Dream holiday turns into nightmare as fake rental website costs family £2,600
The survey also revealed the death of holiday romances for the younger generation.
Seven in ten 18 to 35 year olds have never had a holiday romance and 50 per cent say they have no interest in ever having one.
Another trend showed how more and more parents were staying home and letting the grandparents take the kids away.
Earlier this year The Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed a 537 per cent year-on-year rise to 19,000 visits to Turkey in the first quarter of 2018.
They also revealed a two per cent fall in visits to Europe.
Here are the five most popular destinations for summer 2019, according to Thomas Cook:
1. Spain (mainland Spain, the Balearics and the Canary Islands)
2. Turkey
3. Greece
4. USA
5. Cyprus
