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, while Dubai, Cape Verde and Sharm el Sheikh make it into top 20 for first time.
CHESTER, ENGLAND – 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.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
