Orlando, Copenhagen, and Melbourne lead the way for 2025 holiday plans
Key Findings:
- New study identifies where UK travellers are planning to spend their Easter holidays in 2025 based on Google Flights data
- Orlando tops the list as the most popular destination, while European cities Copenhagen and Budapest also rank highly
- Travel expert shares advice on finding affordable yet exciting options as 96% of holidaymakers look abroad for Easter breaks
With Easter approaching, many UK residents are already planning their spring getaways to make the most of the holiday break. As temperatures begin to rise and winter fades, the Easter period offers a perfect opportunity for families, couples, and solo travellers to explore new destinations or revisit favorites.
“Easter holidays provide an ideal window for UK travellers to enjoy some early sunshine or experience different cultures before the summer peak season begins,” says Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away, a company dedicated to helping people find value holidays without overpaying.
The travel experts at Cheap Deals Away analysed Google Flights data across major UK airports to determine which destinations are appealing most to UK travellers for Easter 2025. Their study examined flight search patterns, considering economy-class, round-trip journeys with one-week durations during March 2025.
Table 1: Top 10 Most Popular Destinations for UK Travellers During Easter 2025
| Rank | Destination | Interest Score | Normalized Interest Score |
| 1 | Orlando | 39.33 | 100.0 |
| 2 | Copenhagen | 39.29 | 99.9 |
| 3 | Melbourne | 37.33 | 94.6 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 35.50 | 89.7 |
| 5 | New Orleans | 35.00 | 88.4 |
| 6 | Toronto | 34.60 | 87.3 |
| 7 | Budapest | 34.10 | 86.0 |
| 8 | İstanbul | 32.91 | 82.8 |
| 9 | Dubrovnik | 32.50 | 81.7 |
| 10 | San Diego | 31.58 | 79.2 |
Orlando Tops the List for Easter 2025
Florida’s theme park capital ranks as the most desirable destination for UK travellers, scoring a perfect 100 on the normalised interest scale. With its warm spring temperatures averaging 24°C in March and world-famous attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando offers an ideal escape from the UK’s unpredictable spring weather.
“Orlando consistently attracts UK families during Easter holidays,” explains Morwood. “The combination of direct flights from most major UK airports, package deals that often include park tickets, and guaranteed sunshine makes it an attractive option despite the long-haul flight.”
Copenhagen Takes Second Place
The Danish capital secured the second position with an interest score of 99.9, barely behind Orlando. Copenhagen’s appeal during Easter includes its historic Tivoli Gardens, which typically reopens for the season in late March, and the city’s famous food scene.
“Copenhagen might surprise some people as a top Easter destination, but its popularity shows UK travellers are increasingly looking for cultural city breaks rather than just beach holidays,” says Morwood. “The city offers excellent value compared to other Scandinavian capitals, and spring brings the added bonus of fewer tourists than summer months.”
Melbourne Secures Third Place
Australia’s cultural hub ranks third with a score of 94.6. Though requiring a significant journey, Melbourne attracts UK travellers with its autumn season (March-May in the southern hemisphere), vibrant arts scene, and proximity to natural attractions like the Great Ocean Road.
“The long flight to Melbourne is offset by the unique opportunity to experience autumn in Australia while the UK moves into spring,” notes Morwood. “Many UK travellers combine Easter trips to Melbourne with visits to other Australian destinations, making the long journey worthwhile.”
Table 2: UK vs. International Travel Preferences for Easter Holidays
| Travel Type | % Interest |
| United Kingdom | 4% |
| International | 96% |
International Travel Dominates Easter Plans
The data reveals a strong preference for international travel, with 96% of UK travellers planning to go abroad for Easter 2025. Only 4% are considering flying to domestic destinations, showing a clear desire to venture beyond the UK during the spring break.
“After winter, UK travellers are typically eager for a change of scenery and climate,” Morwood explains. “The Easter period offers enough time for even long-haul journeys, which explains why destinations like Orlando, Melbourne, and Atlanta rank so highly despite the distance.”
Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away, commented:
“The Easter holiday period represents a sweet spot for travel from the UK. It falls after the winter darkness but before the peak summer season, often meaning better value and fewer crowds at popular destinations. Our data shows a clear preference for international travel, with Orlando remaining a perennial favorite due to its family-friendly attractions and reliable weather.
“For those looking for affordable yet exciting options this Easter, I’d recommend considering Budapest and Istanbul, which both made our top 10. These destinations offer exceptional value for money with rich cultural experiences, impressive architecture, and diverse food scenes. Budapest’s thermal spas and Istanbul’s vibrant markets provide unique experiences at prices significantly lower than many Western European cities.
“Travelers should book early for Easter 2025, especially for popular destinations like Orlando and Copenhagen. We’re already seeing increased interest compared to previous years. Consider flying mid-week rather than weekends for better deals, and look at package options that include accommodations with flights, which often provide substantial savings over booking components separately.”
