Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
24 March 2016 08:18
Wild seashore in Fuerteventura
British tourists' eyes are being opened to the delights of the Canaries and Balearics as a result of recent terror events overseas, Thomas Cook reports.
The holiday business says many Brits are opting for different destinations instead of countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey.
They are also leaving holiday bookings much later to judge the climate of their original-choice countries, Thomas Cook says.
The biggest winners
UK holidaymakers looking for more peaceful destinations are choosing the following alternatives instead, according to the travel firm:
• Canaries: Tenerife is the biggest of these Spanish-owned islands, famed for their white, sandy beaches
• the Balearics: travellers can enjoy wild seashores aplenty here, including those in the heavenly Fuerteventura
• Cuba: this quaint Caribbean island is becoming increasingly popular since it started opening up to the West with Old Havana a particular treasure trove for architecture buffs
• mainland Spain
• the US
• the western Mediterranean
Playing it safe
Should the worst happen and holidays are cancelled then travellers can claim money back on their travel insurance.
The Government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office issues advice to holidaymakers and travel firms.
Playing safe by taking out cover can prevent a big dent to people's finances. Of course, such insurance also covers delayed flights, lost luggage and stolen possessions.
Thomas Cook figures
Thomas Cook, which calls the current market "volatile", reports that two in every five summer trips have so far been sold - 2% down on 2015.
It says it is reaping dividends from transferring routes away from Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey and other terrorism-hit countries.
The company suffered a 3% dip in winter bookings compared with last year, although it still sold nine out of 10 holidays.
25 May 2018
Two popular sunscreens become significantly less effective once the wearer has been in sea water, a watchdog has warned.
[more...]
24 May 2018
A recent report by Cancer Research UK claims young people who are exposed to just one extra junk food TV advert per week consume up to 18,000 extra calories every year.
Eating one egg a day may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes, according to a new study.
22 May 2018
Theresa May is to give a speech explaining how artificial intelligence will be used to help prevent 22,000 cancer deaths a year by 2033.
19 May 2018
A recent study in Taiwan has revealed that heart attacks occur more frequently in cold weather - with the figure increasing "dramatically" when the temperature drops below 15C (59F).
18 May 2018
A team of scientists have managed to successfully conduct a "memory transplant" between snails by transferring RNA, a form of genetic information, from one snail to another.
17 May 2018
A new study has found that certain types of exercise do not prevent the onset or worsening of dementia and may even contribute to further cognitive impairment.
16 May 2018
The average British child has visited four European cities and been on three long-haul holidays as well as skiing twice - all before their 10th birthday.
15 May 2018
Ethiopian Airlines has unveiled a new "landmark" route from Manchester Airport to the north African city of Ethiopia.
12 May 2018
Health experts have expressed concern at recent outbreaks of measles across England.
Cinema drinks contain "unacceptable" levels of bacteria
10 May 2018
The HPV vaccine offered to teenage girls has proved to be safe and effective in preventing the virus that causes cervical cancer, an independent review has revealed.