Brits planning £9bn bank holiday bonanza

BRITS are gearing up for a bumper £9billion bank holiday getaway as the mercury soars close to a sizzling 30C.

An estimated 21million Britons will hit the road today, sparking a multi-billion pound “staycation” megaboom for the UK economy.

On average, we will fork out more than £400 each to enjoy the three-day weekend, packing out Britain’s beer gardens, beaches and beauty spots.

The UK’s blistering conditions may surpass the 26C forecast in Miami, Florida, and beat the 23C expected on Spanish sunshine isle Majorca.

Brits will splurge almost £9bn over bank holiday weekends in 2018, according to research by American Express.

The average spend on a bank holiday break is £407 per trip, with hotel bills the biggest expense at £92.

Travel costs, such as petrol and train tickets, set people back £61, while we will eat and drink more than £70 worth of booze and grub.

A majority 64% of us will climb into the car for trips, while 12% hope to avoid the jams by catching a train.

But 16% will head for the airport and a break abroad, the study found.

Motorway drivers have been warned the weather will lead to a 17% spike in breakdowns. Rescue firm Green Flag is expecting to see an astonishing 11 vehicles a minute halting in the heat.

They predict that up to 47,000 motors will break down across the UK over the weekend.

Simon Henrick, from Green Flag, said: “We’re expecting a 17% increase in call outs due to the hot weather.

“However, many of the problems are preventable if tyre pressure and oil and water are properly checked before a long journey.”

The Star Says: Page 6