As Easter approaches, travel chaos looms across the UK, with millions of Britons set to hit the roads and airports during the holiday period. The Met Office's scorching weather forecast is encouraging families to pack their bags and head out, leading to a significant increase in road traffic and potential delays on major routes.
According to the RAC, over 21 million drivers are expected to take to the roads this weekend as schools close for the Easter break. Specifically, 2.7 million journeys are planned for Saturday, April 6, 2025, with an additional 2.4 million journeys anticipated on Monday, April 7, 2025. This surge in travel aligns with the warm weather that has graced the UK, with March 2025 recorded as the sunniest March since records began.
As families prepare for their trips, drivers have been warned to expect significant delays, particularly on the M25, M5, M6, and A303. With the holiday rush in full swing, the roads are likely to be congested, and the travel experience may be less than smooth.
Gatwick Airport is also gearing up for one of its busiest periods of the year, with travelers flocking to the skies to escape for the Easter holidays. Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell has indicated that the sunshine is growing stronger, suggesting that many people will enjoy pleasantly warm days, especially as the temperatures are expected to reach highs of 21°C in London from Friday, April 11, through Sunday, April 13.
However, while the weather brings joy to many, it also brings challenges for those suffering from hay fever. Last week, the Met Office issued a rare red alert for hay fever sufferers, warning that pollen counts would be “very high” across multiple regions, including London, the South East, the South West, and the West Midlands. With birch pollen currently in season, many are bracing themselves for the discomfort that comes with the springtime bloom.
Meanwhile, in Europe, travel disruptions are also on the horizon as EasyJet flight attendants in Italy prepare to strike for four hours on April 9, 2025. This walkout, organized by the Italian Federation of Transport Workers (FILT), the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), and the Italian Union of Transport (UIL), is expected to affect flights to and from Milan and Naples airports. EasyJet has assured customers that they are taking steps to minimize disruptions and will communicate directly with those impacted.
Adding to the travel turmoil, Greek air traffic controllers are set to participate in a 24-hour strike on the same day, called by the public sector employee federation ADEDY. This strike is a response to ongoing staffing shortages and equipment issues that have plagued air traffic control in Greece. During this time, staff will only manage certain types of flights, including medical and emergency services, leaving commercial flights to face significant disruptions.
As travelers look for alternatives, families in Glasgow can take advantage of a generous offer from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), which has announced that all children under the age of 16 can travel free on Glasgow Subway services during the Easter holidays. Running from April 5 to April 21, 2025, this initiative aims to ease the financial strain on families looking to explore the city.
Typically, adult fares on the Subway cost £1.65 for a return ticket and £2.20 for a day ticket, making the free travel for children a welcome relief for families with multiple kids. SPT has also highlighted four different Subway trails designed to showcase family-friendly attractions throughout Glasgow, encouraging families to enjoy the city’s culture and activities.
For those visiting Glasgow from outside the city, SPT’s Park and Ride facilities provide a convenient option for parking, allowing families to avoid the hassle of city-center traffic. With three Park and Ride stations available, families can park their cars and explore without worrying about parking fees.
In Australia, the upcoming Easter public holiday from April 18 to April 21, 2025, is prompting many to plan their travels. According to Expedia and Wotif's April Travel Outlook, over a third of Australians (38%) are expected to travel during this period, taking advantage of the extended school break and the ANZAC public holiday on April 25, which allows for a 10-day break with just three days of annual leave.
Internationally, popular destinations such as Queenstown, New Zealand, Osaka, Japan, and Danang, Vietnam are experiencing significant growth in bookings. Expedia's research indicates that two-fifths (40%) of Australians are seeking destinations where their dollar stretches further, reflecting a trend towards budget-conscious travel.
Travel experts recommend flexibility when booking trips, as traveling domestically on a Sunday in April can be 352% less busy than on a Friday. For those looking to save, bundling flight and hotel bookings can yield substantial savings, with an average of AUD395 saved on Expedia and AUD377 on Wotif.
As the Easter holidays approach, travelers across the UK and Australia are bracing for a mix of excitement and challenges. With the promise of sunny weather and the allure of travel, families are eager to make the most of their time off. However, they must also navigate potential disruptions, whether from strikes in Europe or the increased pollen counts affecting those with allergies. As always, planning ahead and staying informed will be key to ensuring a smooth holiday experience.
