There are just some destinations that scream “British abroad.”
You might hate to admit it, but if you’re being honest, you know it’s true. Whether it’s the familiar weather, the full English breakfast at 9 a.m., or the quiet panic over a €1.50 sunbed, if these holiday spots are part of your yearly rotation, you’re almost definitely a Brit. There’s no shame in it, of course—we like what we like!
1. Benidorm, Spain
For many Brits, Benidorm isn’t just a holiday—it’s tradition. Cheap drinks, all-day fry-ups, and entertainment that could easily pass for your local pub back home make it a favourite. And let’s be honest, hearing English spoken everywhere just makes it all a bit easier. There’s comfort in its chaos—where flip-flops are formal wear and every night out somehow includes karaoke. Love it or raise your eyebrows at it, Benidorm is basically a British summer rite of passage.
2. The Algarve, Portugal
From golf trips to sun-soaked family holidays, the Algarve is the go-to spot for Brits chasing sunshine without straying too far from familiar creature comforts. You can find a Sunday roast, real ale, and probably someone from your hometown—all within walking distance. It’s the kind of place where the beaches are stunning, the pints are cheap, and you can still watch the Premier League with your full English. What more could a Brit want?
3. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is basically Britain’s unofficial 51st county. With all-inclusive hotels, English breakfasts on every corner, and temperatures that make packing a jumper seem laughable, it’s become a go-to escape for everyone from teens on their first lads’ trip to retirees soaking up the sun. Whether you’re climbing Mount Teide or just chilling by the pool with a book and a beer, Tenerife manages to feel like home—just with better weather and no need for a coat.
4. Disneyland Paris
It’s a rite of passage for UK families with kids under ten—and for many adults who “just love the magic.” Close enough to feel manageable, far enough to feel like a real break, and with queues that prepare you for the M25, it’s the perfect British compromise. There’s a strong chance your suitcase includes both Mickey ears and emergency Calpol. And let’s not pretend the grown-ups aren’t just as into it as the kids. It’s a soft spot Brits just can’t seem to shake.
5. New York City, USA
For the Brit who wants their holiday to feel like a movie, NYC is the dream. It’s loud, busy, slightly overwhelming, and we absolutely love it. From walking the High Line to desperately trying to look nonchalant in Times Square, it’s a city break that feels like the main event. There’s always a stop at Bloomingdale’s, a bagel bigger than your head, and at least one person in the group who insists they could totally live here. For many, it’s less a holiday and more a personality checkpoint.
6. Cyprus
With sunshine that rarely quits and just the right mix of historic charm and British-style pubs, Cyprus has earned its place as a top Brit destination. There’s something reassuring about finding a Cornish pasty in the middle of Paphos. It hits the sweet spot between culture and comfort, where you can explore ruins by day and eat chips by night. It’s the perfect blend of “somewhere different” and “nothing too unfamiliar.”
7. Ibiza
Whether you’re there for the superclubs or the surprisingly serene yoga retreats, Ibiza holds a permanent place in the British holiday psyche. You either went wild there in your 20s, or you’re now rediscovering it with a completely different vibe. No matter your reason, it’s the island that somehow reinvents itself for every age bracket—and for many Brits, it’s not a question of if you’ve been to Ibiza, but how many times.
8. The Lake District (yes, still counts)
Who says a holiday has to involve getting on a plane? The Lake District is the go-to UK escape for Brits who like their breaks with a side of hiking boots, cosy pubs, and questionable weather forecasts. It’s ideal for those who want nature, dogs, and maybe a bit of mud—but still want to be back in their own bed within a few hours. Bonus points if you packed a waterproof just in case, even though it was sunny when you left.
9. Dubai
Luxury, shopping, sun, and a strong sense of “I definitely need to post this on Instagram”—Dubai has become the modern Brit’s jet-set escape. It’s slick, shiny, and full of brunches that somehow cost more than your flight. Whether you’re into high-end everything or just craving a winter sun break with top-tier air conditioning, it’s become a top pick for Brits who like their holidays big, bold, and beautifully airbrushed.
10. Centre Parcs
Technically not abroad, but for UK families, Centre Parcs absolutely counts. It’s the ultimate controlled-environment getaway where nature meets convenience, and nobody bats an eye at people in matching fleeces on hired bikes. It’s comfortable, vaguely outdoorsy, and full of moments that feel like you’re making core memories. If this is your idea of a proper recharge, you’re definitely a Brit, and you’ve probably booked next year’s trip before this one’s even over.
