The washout summer has prompted a late scramble for foreign holidays as fed-up Brits go in search of some sunshine.
With the wet weather making staycations rather less attractive this year, there has been a surge in last minute bookings for Greece, Portugal and other warmer climes.
Leading villa holiday company Solmar Villa Holidays has reported a big surge in bookings for August and September getaways, with September in particular looking busier than ever.
Solmar chief executive Julie Blake said: “Good weather for the past couple of years persuaded many people to stay in the UK and enjoy a staycation – but it seems almost two months of rainy days this summer and no sign of improvement has made them try to grab a bit of sun while they can!
“We have had a big surge in bookings for August and September, and September is shaping up to be particularly busy. Destinations such as Greece, Portugal, Cyprus and Majorca are proving popular as always and although our hot deals are being snapped up quickly, there are still some beautiful holidays left for those still considering a last-minute getaway.
“We would advise anyone still looking to book to be flexible about exactly where they want to go to get the best choice of deals. We have villas all over the Mediterranean and Europe, all with private pools and many within walking distances of the main holiday resorts.
“We know from our own research that our customers value their summer holidays, and many feel they have missed out this year because the weather has stopped them getting out and about in the UK.”
Despite July being the hottest month ever recorded globally, the picture has been very different in the UK with parts of England and Northern Ireland suffering their wettest July ever.
Solmar, which is based in Burton-on Trent, in the Midlands, has 1,500 stunning villas across the Mediterranean and Europe, with Kos, Ibiza, the Almalfi coast and mainland Greece newly added to the portfolio.
With in-resort villa managers, ABTA reassurance and more than 30 years of experience, Solmar Villas is firmly established as one of the UK’s leading providers of villa holidays.
Villas range from cosy two-bedroom properties for romantic getaways to a seven-bedroom villa which is perfect for a big group.
All villas have pools and are fully equipped with everything needed for the perfect holiday, and the company has a Feefo rating of 4.9/5.
To search for a last-minute villa break with Solmar, visit www.solmarvillas.com/