Families Rush for Half-term Holidays as Search for Winter Sun Surges 19%

CHESTER, England, October 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Sun-seeking families rush to get away this October half-term - busiest Autumn season for years
• Searches for half term breaks in the Red Sea increase by 91% per cent
• Dubai, Cape Verde and Sharm el Sheikh make it into top 20 for first time
• Rome, Marrakech & Las Vegas off the top 20 holiday choices

Experts are predicting one of the busiest Autumn half-term holiday seasons for years, following a 'summer holiday delay' effect caused by the bumper round of events that have taken place in the UK, such as the Jubilee and Olympics. This, coupled with the washout summer of wet weather, has caused a 19% surge in families searching for last minute half-term warmth (26 October - 4 November), according to travel comparison website, TravelSupermarket.com.

Searches on the site show that The Canary Islands are a firm favourite destination for a late sun break, but it's not just the traditional holiday hotspots that are leading the exodus to warmer climes. When compared to data over the same period last year, the comparison website numbers show that the lesser known Red Sea (91%) and Dalaman in Turkey (78%) have seen big jumps in popularity.

Surprisingly, usually quite well liked choices for those looking for an Autumn getaway, Rome, Marrakech and Las Vegas, have all fallen out of favour with families, with Cape Verde and Sharm el Sheikh taking their places in the top 20 destinations for the first time.

Claudette Martin, St Gregory CEVC Primary School commented: "Autumn is an especially long term and most children will welcome the half-term break as a time to recuperate and let loose. I have definitely noticed when children return to school for the new term after  having had a short getaway either in the UK or abroad, their concentration and energy levels are hugely improved, much the same as when adults return to work."  

Bob Atkinson, travel expert from TravelSupermarket commented: "After what has been a packed Summer of events many families have delayed 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 for their best chance of some sun before Christmas.

"There are plenty of other destinations to choose from. There are still holidays to Turkey and you can reach the Caribbean and Florida for a one week break as well as destinations such as Cyprus, Malta, Cape Verde, The Algarve, and Tunisia for some late Summer sun.  Alternatively, why not consider a city break to one of Europe's southern cities, such as Madrid, Rome, Athens, Lisbon and Istanbul as well as favourites such as Nice and Barcelona? And if you just want time out and fun with the family, why not try some of the great deals at holiday parks here in the UK which are crammed with activity to keep the kids happy.

"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 and early December 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.**

2012 most popular destinations, change year on year

    2012                 2011
    Tenerife             Tenerife
    Majorca              Majorca
    Gran Canaria         Gran Canaria
    Lanzarote            Lanzarote
    Red Sea              Fuerteventura
    Fuerteventura        Algarve
    Dalaman              Malta
    Algarve              Costa Blanca
    Dubai                Red Sea
    Malta                Rome
    New York             Las Vegas
    Cyrpus West          Dalaman
    Barcelona            New York
    Tunisia              Costa Brava
    Cape Verde           Costa Del Sol
    Costa Dorada         Marrakesh
    Sharm el Sheikh      Cyprus West
    Costa Blanca         Barcelona
    Costa Brava          Paris
    Cyprus East          Amsterdam

Notes to Editors:

*Figures based on all holiday searches including at least one child within the travel party.

Dates compared: searches 17 - 23 Sept 2012 vs. the same week last year - 19 - 25 Sept 2011. School holiday dates have been aligned e.g. Fri - Sun.

** 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

About TravelSupermarket

TravelSupermarket is an online comparison service where customers can find the best value travel options for their needs and purchase over the internet. The website compares flights, car hire, hotels, cruise, package holidays plus dynamic packaging by searching hundreds of travel websites. The information supplied is unbiased and is designed to save the customer time and money.

The site thrives on offering its users accurate real time availability by taking information directly from suppliers such as Opodo, British Airways, Thomas Cook, Radisson, Sol Melia, easyCar, Auto-Europe and many more, ensuring users are presented the best possible price at all times. It searches:

• Over 650 scheduled, low cost and charter airlines from 39 individual suppliers
• Over 200,000 individual hotels from over 42 individual hotel suppliers
• Over 200 individual car hire providers from over 21 suppliers
• 1,000s of individual package holidays from over 34 suppliers

Additionally, travelsupermarket.com also compares prices on travel insurance and on airport car parking.

TravelSupermarket is part of the Moneysupermarket.com Group PLC.

http://www.moneysupermarket.com is a website where consumers can compare personal finance products, save money and apply online. The website has several service areas including personal loans, credit cards, mortgages, current accounts, savings accounts, motor insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, health insurance, mobile phones, broadband and shopping.

For further press information contact:
Emma Morris
TravelSupermarket
[email protected]
+44(0)1244-220-671

SOURCE TravelSupermarket.com