Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about Coronavirus? Click here for more information. Please note that due to exceptional circumstances our opening hours are currently 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday. We apologise for any inconvenience.
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.
28 February 2020
Keep your carbon footprint in check and travel green with our eco-friendly travel tips.
[more...]
25 February 2020
For true carefree travel, decide on a destination that's kinder to the planet...
20 February 2020
Travel into the future and not just through time-zones, with destinations shaping urban living.
National Anthem Day falls on the 3rd March, so what better excuse is there to delve into into the world of music and motherland?
Discover five alternative places to get down on one knee this leap year.
Two-wheels are better than none. Check out our favourite cities best explored from a saddle.
04 February 2020
Make your phone the perfect travel companion for the new year...
Bohemian boulevards and ornate opera houses await away from the Six Nations action.
Kite Flying Day falls on 8th February. What better time is there to plan your next trip through the skies?
10 February 2020
With Ferris Wheel Day on 14th February, there's never been a better excuse to enjoy a foreign skyline.
Looking for a Valentine's getaway but want to avoid the clichés? Try one these alternative romantic destinations...
27 January 2020
With ancient architecture and marble marvels at every turn, there are plenty of reasons to get onside with our plans away from the rugby in Rome.