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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.
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