14 July 2008

More over-55s opting for UK holidays

People are making last minute UK holiday bookings instead of heading abroad this summer, an operator claims.

Over-55s specialist Grand UK Holidays has seen a rise in bookings for UK self-drive holidays as more Britons seek breaks in the UK.

Sales director Harold Burke said: "We are well known for our coach tours but we have recently seen spikes in bookings for our self-drive holidays.

"This suggests we are attracting holidaymakers who are new to our brand. They may have previously flown or driven overseas on holiday and are now deciding to take domestic breaks by car instead.

"This may be because they're not keen on facing long queues at airports, or the cost of the euro, or they have environmental concerns about flying.

"Recent surveys by the AA and Norwich Union echo what we are seeing, with people choosing to take holidays on our shores and rediscovering the delights of the British coastal and mountain scenery.ââ¬~ 

The operator has some availability left between now and October, with rates starting at around Ã&#pound;26 a night.  

ââ¬ÅâœWe're finding people are making spur-of-the-minute decisions to head off for a holiday," added Burke.

by Phil Davies 

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