Britons' appetite for foreign holidays has not been dented by the war on terrorism, according to research published today.

Two new surveys reveal holidaymakers preparing to splash out on trips abroad, with those planning trips to the US up on last year.

Research carried out by Nationwide found that more people intend to holiday abroad this year despite fears that consumers may have been put off travelling by the September 11 terrorist attacks.

During 2001 48% of Britons travelled abroad, while 24% took their break in the UK, but during 2002 51% of those questioned are planning to go overseas with just 18% staying at home.

The most popular holiday destination this year is Europe, with 30% of Britons planning to go there, followed by the UK which will attract 18%, and 7% are heading for America - compared with 6% in 2001.

Only 6% of people said they had altered their holiday plans as a result of September 11, though 27% said they would be more likely to buy travel insurance now.

Meanwhile, around 80% of Britons intend to take a trip away during 2002, spending an average of £1,196 each, according to Marks & Spencer Financial Services.

Two-thirds of those in the 45 to 54 age group plann to splash out a massive £15,000 on holidays during the next 12 months.

People aged between 35 and 44 will spend the most on average, with the cost of their trips abroad amounting to £1,656, while the over 55s will have the cheapest breaks, parting with an average of just £862.

People living in Yorkshire are the biggest holiday spenders, splashing out £1,497 on trips away - more than £500 more than those living in the South West, who spend just £916 on average.

Donald Mackenzie, managing director of foreign money wholesaler FX Corporation, said: "This is welcome news for the travel industry."