Despite the recession, many are still splashing out on a trip to the sunshine to get away from it all.

Newcastle International Airport has revealed the top 10 destinations for holidaymakers, and six of the slots are taken up by Spanish hotspots.

The top three places proving popular with tourists were Palma, Malaga and Alicante.

Jetsetters are also opting to head to cheaper resorts in Turkey or enjoy all-inclusive packages in Dubai.

The northern airport says that about 115,000 passengers travel to or from 80 destinations each week, which is 200 arrivals and departures each day.

Chris Sander, head of airline development at Newcastle Airport, said: "Despite the economic gloom, an overseas holiday is still highly valued by the North East public.

"Newcastle Airport has been working harder than ever to ensure our passengers continue to enjoy a wide choice of destinations for their 2009 holiday.

"We are delighted to see some new flights on our departure boards.

"Holidaymakers can now take advantage of easyjet flights to the beautiful island of Malta or snap up the chance to soak up some sun in Croatia with Jet2."

Mr Sander said that Thomas Cook has based a third aircraft at the airport, offering hundreds more seats to the region's passengers and more destinations, including two areas of Greece, Santorini and Skiathos.

The Greek island of Kefalonia also has its own dedicated flight.
Chris said: "This year has seen a trend towards more 10 and 11 night holidays being sold although the traditional fortnight long holiday remains very popular."

Top 10 destinations:

1. Palma, Spain.

2. Malaga, Spain.

3. Alicante, Spain.

4. Faro, Portugal.

5. Dalaman, Turkey.

6. Ibiza, Spain.

7. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

8. Murcia, Spain.

9. Tenerife, Spain.

10. Bodrum, Turkey.