Relaxing on holiday
Brits would prefer to receive a holiday than a gadget this Christmas.
TravelSupermarket has found that over a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits would like to receive a holiday as a gift this Christmas, second only to a wish for money and vouchers (31 per cent).
Although retailers have said 2012 will be the “Tablet Christmas,” a poll of over 1,000 visitors to the site shows that in fact, the gift of a holiday ranks above both gadgets (8 per cent) and jewellery (7 per cent) as the most desired gift.
This follows research from MoneySupermarket claiming that Brits will be spending £22 billion this year on Christmas, splashing out an average of £445 per person during this festive period.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert at TravelSupermarket said: “After what has been a tough year for many, it is unsurprising a break away is front of mind for one in four of us. The prospect of spending time with friends or loves ones, experiencing something new and also having something to look forward to is, without doubt, very appealing.
For £445 or less you could get away in January on one of the following holidays through TravelSupermarket:
Canary Islands, Tenerife - for 7 nights departing Saturday 12th January 2013. Staying at the 4* Apartments Pez Azul on a self-catering basis in a studio room. Flights depart from London Stansted. Holiday from ontheBeach.co.uk via TravelSupermarket - £336.00pp
Gambia, Kotu - for 7 nights departing Thursday 10th January 2013. Staying at the 2* Palm Beach Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis in a standard room. Flights depart from London Gatwick. Holiday from Airtours via TravelSupermarket - £432.00pp
Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh - for 7 nights departing Thursday 11th January 2013. Staying at the 3* Amar Sina Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis in a standard room. Flights depart from London Gatwick. Holiday from easyJet Holidays via TravelSupermarket - £285.00pp
Morocco, Tangier - for 7 nights departing on Thursday 10th January 2013. Staying at the 3* Ibis Tanger Free Zone in a standard room. Flights depart from London Heathrow. Holiday from Expedia.co.uk via TravelSupermarket - £363.00pp
Italy, Rome - for 3 nights departing Thursday 10th January 2013. Staying at the 3* Virgilio Rome Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis in a standard room. Flights depart from London Stansted. Holiday from TravelRepublic via TravelSupermarket - £145.00pp, less than £300 for two people.
Bob added: “However, if you are planning to surprise a loved one with a holiday this Christmas, think carefully about the timing of your trip. Springing a well-intended break on someone may not be the winning gift you intended if you have not sorted out dates with care.
“But with a little planning and buying, say, a guide book or a small gift that relates to the destination, you can easily make up something to open on the big day that will be well received.”
Alternatively, you could save up what you would spend on Christmas and put the money towards a bigger holiday later in the year, or a couple of city breaks in Europe or the UK in early spring.
But if you are looking to give someone the gift of travel, Bob said: “Make sure you give yourself enough time to research the destination and to shop around for the best price for your trip. Use the internet to find the best bargains and look out for promotions as we head towards the busiest booking period.
“There are plenty of great deals to be found at both hot and cold destinations. You can easily reach the Caribbean and Florida for some winter sun as well as other locations such as Tunisia and Egypt.
“Alternatively, why not think about a city break to one of Europe’s top destinations, such as Madrid, Rome, Athens and Paris, or even a UK-based activity.”
Bob Atkinson’s Christmas holiday checklist:
1. If flying away, book any airport transfers and car parking in advance.
2. Take photocopies of all travel-related documents, e.g. passport, travellers cheque numbers, travel itinerary details and keep these somewhere separate.
3. If you’re flying and taking presents, take wrapping paper with you to do when you get there otherwise they might get unwrapped by security. And be careful when packing any Christmas extras – items like crackers and party poppers are not allowed on board or in hold luggage as they contain explosive material.
4. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance and check the small print to make sure the value of any presents you’re taking is covered.
5. Don’t carry all your money around in one place –split it between your party should one of you get your bag stolen.
For more information visit www.travelsupermarket.com
FemaleFirst @FemaleFirst_UK