Flights comparison site Skyscanner digs into its data to reveal the summer travel trends, and while Spain remains the number one most popular holiday destination for British tourists, Italy, the Balkans and Greece are all rising in popularity this year. Italy, however, overtakes France

The US held on to its number two position showing that the British are still willing to spend on long haul flights despite tougher economic times, but the third most popular summer destination was Italy which moved up two places compared to last year, displacing Turkey, fourth place and overtaking France. After a summer of civil unrest in 2010, Greece also moved up two places to number six this year which will come as welcome news at a time when economic woes in the country are still ongoing.

Portugal fell one place to number seven, Cyprus moved up one to number eight, and the UK also dropped slightly to ninth, suggesting a move away from the “staycation” trend of last summer.

Croatia moved into the top ten, displacing Thailand which fell one place to number 11.

The highest new entry was from Kosovo which rocketed into the top 100 at number 67. Interest in the Balkan region has increased generally, with neighbouring Serbia climbing 11 places, Macedonia entering the Top 100 at number 95, and Bosnia and Herzegovina also just squeezing in at number 100.

With a choice of city breaks, stunning coastline and mountain retreats, the Balkan region is evidently increasing its appeal to British visitors looking for somewhere different and offering good value for money.