Australia has been taken over by the US as the destination of choice for British and Irish travellers, reports the Telegraph.

According to a survey of 17, 500 respondents by guidebook publisher Lonely Planet, the US was rated tops, followed by Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Thailand.

The UK tourists interviewed in the survey also said that America is the country they would be most likely to visit.

Australia had previously been the most popular destination for four years in a row.
For the first time the UK has appeared in the top ten choices as more and more Brits opt for the cheaper local holiday options.

The fact that the country was selected comes as a surprise to many who often criticise them for their bureaucratic US immigration system. However the weakening pound has made America attractive in terms of the favourable exchange rate compared to the strong euro.