As the summer getaway season kicks off, millions of travelers are flocking to airports, ports, and roads for what is expected to be the busiest weekend of the year. The Port of Dover in Kent is bustling with activity, with coaches waiting until the late hours to clear the backlog of Easter traffic. The RAC predicts that this weekend will be the second busiest summer weekend since 2015, with 3.6 million car journeys expected on Saturday alone.
In addition to the heavy traffic on the roads, the Port of Dover is gearing up for its busiest weekend yet, with 11,000 tourist cars expected on Saturday. Despite the high volume of travelers, the port reported smooth operations with wait times as low as five minutes at border control. Brittany Ferries, which operates between the UK, France, and Spain, is fully booked for most overnight sailings this weekend, but there are still available spots on daytime trips.
For those heading overseas, more than two million Britons are expected to travel between Friday and Sunday. London Luton Airport is anticipating 220,000 passengers passing through between Friday and Monday, with Paris emerging as a popular city break destination. The airport has seen a 25% increase in travelers heading to the French capital, likely influenced by the Olympic Games. Other popular destinations include Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, and Lisbon.
Heathrow Airport is bracing for its busiest summer ever, expecting to serve 250,000 passengers daily at its peak. On the roads, the M5 southbound between Bristol and Devon is expected to experience the longest delays this weekend. Transport analytics company Inrix advises drivers to avoid traveling between 12pm and 5pm on Saturday, and between 11am and 1pm on Sunday to steer clear of the worst traffic.
Eurostar passengers faced disruptions on Saturday due to arson attacks on the French rail network ahead of the Olympic Games. Despite these challenges, travelers remain determined to reach their destinations and make the most of the summer holiday period. So, whether you’re jetting off to a European city or hitting the road for a weekend getaway, be prepared for crowded airports, busy ports, and traffic jams as you embark on your summer adventures.