Half term searches up 23 per cent

Published:

04/09/2012

Topic:

Press Release,Travel

Expert predictions of a sell-out October half term could soon be a reality as travel comparison website TravelSupermarket reports an increase of 23 per cent in searches for the week (26 October - 4 November) versus the same time last year.

• Families rush to get away this October half term 
• Canary Islands most popular destination for autumn sun
• Searches for half term breaks in Dubai increase by 96 per cent

After what has been a washout summer of wet weather for most of the country, families are setting their sights on a sunshine getaway this October half term with the Canary Islands a firm favourite. Tenerife topped the list of the most popular destinations for a half term break, closely followed by Lanzarote, Majorca, Gran Canaria and Red Sea resorts.

The comparison site saw a significant jump in popularity of several destinations for this October half term week versus the same week last year including Dubai (96 per cent) Malta (91 per cent) and the Costa Brava (69 per cent). Searches for city breaks to New York were also up by 66 per cent while searches for Red Sea resorts were up 54 per cent.

Bob Atkinson, travel expert from TravelSupermarket commented: "After what has been a packed summer of events here in the UK many families have put off booking a summer getaway, perhaps hoping to enjoy some sunshine here in the UK. Since that has not materialised for most, it is not surprising that many families are now looking to get away this October half term for what will likely be their last chance of some sun before Christmas.
 
"For those families who want to get away and have yet to book, my advice is not to delay any longer as the high demand will only lead to limited availability and higher prices for those who book last minute. There is still reasonable availability in destinations such as Spain, the Red Sea and some of the Canary Islands in particular, so if you can be flexible on your resort and board type, there is still time to book some autumn sun.

"And of course there are plenty of other destinations to choose from. There are still holidays to Turkey, although the season is rapidly coming to a close, you can reach the Caribbean and Florida for a one week break as well as destinations such as Cyprus, Malta, Cape Verde, The Algarve, Morocco and Tunisia for some late summer sun.  Alternatively why not consider a city break to one of Europe's southern capitals, such as Madrid, Athens, Lisbon, Rome and Istanbul as well as favourites such as Nice, Barcelona. And if you are not too bothered by the sun you cannot beat cities such as Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin for both fun and educational value.

"For those travelling without children of school age, consider booking now for dates later this month, either side of the October half term or in November where lower demand will drive plenty of deals to make your money go further."   

Previous research from TravelSupermarket found 58 per cent of those who planned to go away in 2012 would do so after the Olympics had closed on 12 August. **

Top 20 half term holiday destinations for families

2012 most popular destinations, change year on year

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

*Figures based on all holiday searches including at least one child within the travel party.
Dates compared: searches 20 - 26 Aug 2011 vs. 22 - 28 August 2012.

** Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,012 UK adults on behalf of TravelSupermarket.com aged 18+ from 13 to 16 July 2012. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria

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