Two million customers to book holidays this week

Today is the most depressing day of the year, according to ABTA, which estimates that two million people will book their next holiday this week to try to lift their spirits.

The travel association said the third week of January is typically the busiest of the month as Britons take advantage of the holiday discounts available to shed the January blues.

Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy are the destinations most likely to be in demand this week, it said, as the pound has rallied in recent weeks to almost €1.2 to make them more affordable.

Spain came second in a recent Post Office report on destinations offering the lowest prices for day to day expenses. For those seeking winter sun,  Sri Lanka, one of ABTA’s 2012 Travel Trends "Hot" destinations, was the cheapest.

ABTA head of communications Victoria Bacon said: "With two four-day weekends in the first half of 2012 (Easter and the Diamond Jubilee) many people are expected to take advantage of the time off work and go abroad.

"The amazing deals and wide availability on offer at this time of year are also guaranteed to help put a smile on peoples’ faces."

By Linsey McNeill

Have you noticed any increase in bookings? Are you busier than usual? Let us know by using the Comment button below.