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05 January 2017 09:12
The timing of the spring bank holidays should boost travel fans
Holidaymakers have been encouraged to make the most of the fact 2017 boasts a pair of bank holiday weekends just two weeks apart.
This spring will see Good Friday fall on April 14 and the May Day bank holiday land on May 1. That effectively means that workers will be able to take an 18-day break but only use up nine days of their annual leave allowance in the process.
Christmas timing
And there's more good news at the end of the year, thanks to the timing of Christmas. With December 23 and 24 falling on a weekend, workers will be able to take 10 days off between Christmas and New Year but only book off the three days of December 27-29. Although the 2016 festive season has barely finished, it's never too soon to plan ahead.
The spring and Christmas quirks in the 2017 calendar should provide families with plenty of time to venture abroad for a far-flung holiday.
However, whether venturing to Europe or beyond the continent, people should always remember the benefits of travel insurance, which can protect them against things like cancelled flights and medical bills.
'Staycation' opportunities
Closer to home, tourism bosses in the UK are also hoping for a good year.
Patricia Yates, director of national tourism agency VisitBritain, said the 'staycation' trend could also prove popular in the coming 12 months.
She added: "The Easter break and May bank holiday weekend are a chance for people to make the most of their annual leave dates and enjoy a great British holiday whether on a seaside, countryside or city break."
A range of major events are taking place in the spring, which should tempt tourists of all types. For example, there are events marking William Shakespeare's birthday in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, on April 22 and 23.
And there's the Tour de Yorkshire from April 29, which should prove a hit with cycling fans.
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