This weekend is expected to be one of the busiest of the summer for the UK's airports as families head abroad to escape the dismal British weather.

Airports, sea ports and railway stations across the UK are preparing for a summer exodus, with an estimated two million Britons expected to leave the country for sunnier climes.

Most British holidaymakers are heading to Spain, according to the Association of British Travel Agents, where temperatures will reach 30 degrees C this weekend. The organisation, which monitors holiday bookings made with its members, is warning travellers that Heathrow and Gatwick will bear the brunt of the crowds, with as many as 700,000 departures over the weekend.

For those who have left their holiday plans until the last minute, internet search monitors, Hitwise, have reported that Disneyland Paris was the most searched destination abroad by people in the UK for the four weeks to July 14. Other popular destinations include Greece, Italy and France.

Weather experts have warned that conditions in the UK will remain unstable over the next few days and severe flooding alerts were issued again today.

Weather apart, Britons have also been encouraged abroad this year by a strong pound and competitive market that could see holiday prices fall below last year's average of £551 due to the growing price war between travel websites and high street travel agents.

For those travelling from UK airports this weekend, Abta has issued the following advice: use public transport if possible, as drop offs outside terminal buildings may not be possible owing to last month's security alerts; take one piece of hand luggage only; and in accordance with security regulations pack all liquids in containers larger than 100ml into hold luggage and pack hand luggage liquids into a sealable plastic bag.

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