Here at Travel Counsellors we have seen a dramatic increase in bookings over the Easter period, as people appear to be taking advantage of extra bank holiday on 29^th April to celebrate this year’s Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, which has resulted in two long weekends for the UK public and has meant that workers only need to take five days leave for a 14 night holiday.

Bookings made in January to depart during this period (22 April – 6 May) were up a staggering 30% compared to the previous year, with the average holiday duration up from four days to eleven.

Travel Counsellors has also seen a shift towards people travelling to the eurozone, with Spain now the most popular destination for bookings made during January, knocking last year’s favourite, the USA, off the top spot to second. Italy is also proving popular at number three, having previously been the sixth most popular destination last year, with France appearing at number four replacing last year’s favourite Dubai. Turkey remains a firm favourite at number five, whilst last year’s third most popular destination Egypt has fallen to seventh place following the recent events in the country.

“We are certainly seeing a shift back to European destinations as the sterling gains against the euro, with prices in Spain at a record three-year low, making it much more affordable and better value for families booking their annual holiday,” says Managing Director Steve Byrne. “We also expect the trend in bookings over the Easter period to continue, as people make the most of the extended bank holiday.”