Research from Gatwick Airport revealed that the recession is temporarily forgotten as holidaymakers splash out.

Three quarters of those heading abroad are spending the same or more on purchases just in preparation for their holiday this year – and a third of British holiday makers are spending £200 or more.

The research, which looks at how Brits spend ahead of their holidays, also found one in three Brits start to shop a whole month ahead of their holiday, one in five women claim to spend three months before a trip.

Almost one in ten begin filling their suitcase up to six months before they leave. More than a third of women have at some point bought more than they can fit in their holiday bag.

However, the report highlights that 40% go on a spending spree the minute they leave for the airport and a third of Brits deliberately arrive at the airport with enough time to bag some pre-holiday bargains.

Already in the holiday spirit, 44% admit to treating themselves, one in five say they buy more luxurious items than usual.