Not only do more Brits go on holiday than other Europeans, but they do so more often, and they also spend more.

The survey revealed that 74% of Brits proposed to take a summer holiday this year, whilst the average of those countries in the survey was 66%. The Germans were the least likely take a holiday, with less than two-thirds proposing to do so.

Whereas most Europeans are content to take one summer holiday per year, around a third of all Brits take two or more holidays over the summer period June to September.

They also spend more on a holiday treat, with an average spend of €2579 per household, compared to the European average of €2145.

The Spanish and French spend least on their summer holidays, at around €2000 per household.

This lower level of expenditure may be partly explained by the fact that, along with the Italians, around two-thirds of them take their summer holidays on their home turf.

Around a third of Brits proposing to take a holiday this year intend to do so in ‘Old Blighty’, a small increase on 2006, with Spain their top foreign holiday destination, followed by France.

Seaside holidays remain the favourite type of destination for most Brits (52%), but the number wishing to sit on the beach is in decline, with many preferring a holiday in the countryside or a city break. Indeed, the Brits favoured the seaside least of all those Europeans taking part in the survey.

Whilst most Europeans take a typical two-week break over the summer, the survey also confirms the accustomed practice of the French in taking a three or four week summer holiday break.