Holidays replace traditional turkey in online booking frenzy
On the Beach saw a massive surge of bookings on Christmas Day, with thousands of Brits heading online to grab themselves a holiday bargain for 2013.
The online travel agent witnessed a significant surge in the number of visitors to its website yesterday evening, with a significant spike at 6.23pm on Christmas Day.
Booking data reveals that sun starved Brits were still frantically surfing the web and booking holidays for next year, as sales during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were up a massive 55% compared to the same time last year.
With forward bookings of 2013 holidays already well above last year, one in three holidaymakers appear to be taking extra caution with their finances and securing holidays with just a deposit, opting to spread the cost of their holiday over a period of several months.
Early indications show Spain will remain the most popular holiday destination in 2013, continuing to welcome millions of Brits to its sunny shores. Turkey and Portugal are also firm favourites for next summer as Brits fervently jet off to warmer climes following 2012, one of the wettest years on record.
On the Beach say: “We usually see a surge of bookings on Boxing Day, but with many high street retailers kicking off their sales earlier than usual, more people than ever before started booking their holiday for next year on Christmas Day. ”
Are you ready for ‘Sunshine Sunday’?
Booking data over the past three years shows that online holiday bookings will peak on January 6, a date many have dubbed “Sunshine Sunday”.
Millions of Brits are expecting to log online and book their summer holiday on Sunday, with traditional Mediterranean favourites such as Greece, Spain, Turkey and Portugal expecting to prove popular once again. However, long-haul destinations such as Mexico and Florida are also set to prove popular this year as British holidaymakers search for sun, sea and sand.
On the Beach says: “Over the past few years, the industry has recognised January 6th as the most popular date of the year for Brits to bag a summer holiday bargain and this year is set to be busier than ever ”.
Egypt named best value for winter sun
For those dreaming of sunnier climes; Egypt and its array of quality resorts has been tipped as the best-value destination for January.
The popular destination has been named best-value thanks to its range of all-inclusive hotels. From affordable 3* to 5* luxury, holidays in resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh are said to offer the best value for Brits looking for all-inclusive holidays.
On the Beach says: “Egypt is the perfect choice for holidaymakers looking for great value all-inclusive deals .With so many all-inclusive hotels to choose from; it’s no wonder Egypt is a popular destination amongst sun-starved Brits. We expect Egypt to prove more popular than ever this year”.
More routes to Spain announced
Holidaymakers from London will find it even easier to visit Spain and its islands from spring this year, with British Airways adding more routes from Gatwick and Heathrow to destinations such as Alicante, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Majorca.
On the Beach says: “Spain was the most popular destination for British holidaymakers last year and with these new routes from London airports, Spain will no doubt reign again in 2013.”
Bizarre items left in hotel rooms
One of the world’s leading hotel chains has released a list of the most bizarre items left in hotel rooms and the findings suggest that people really should double check their rooms before they check out.
Some of the most bizarre items include a trunk full of chocolate bars, a set of false teeth with Diamonds and a pantomime horse!
Other leftovers include a winning EuroMillions ticket and Joseph’s Dream Coat.
On the Beach says: “People really should double check their rooms before they check out of their hotel. Over the years, many people would have left an item of clothing or even their car keys but the person who left their winning lottery ticket must have been worried sick”.
