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Holiday hotspots for 2009

Include Turkey, Egypt, Iceland, Poland, Croatia, Mexico and Israel

[December 29th 2008]

Mexico

A new report suggests that holiday hotspots for 2009 will include Turkey, Egypt, Iceland, Poland, Croatia, Mexico and Israel.

The ‘FCO & ABTA 2009 Travel Trends Report’, produced by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Association of British Travel Agents, reveals that the number of Brits travelling to Egypt has risen by 38% in the last year, while the number visiting Turkey has increased by 32%.

As the pound falls to record lows against the euro, the Travel Trends Report says that holiday bookings show that holidaymakers are favouring destinations outside the eurozone.

Other holiday hotspots in 2009 will include Dubai, the Dominican Republic, St Lucia, Cuba, Aruba, Galapagos Islands and Australia says the report. And despite the fall in value of the pound against the dollar, the US will be a popular holiday destination in 2009 too.

The Travel Trends Report reveals that 13% of Brits are more likely to visit the US now that Barack Obama has been elected president. Lower fuel prices and the falling cost of living in the US are other factors attracting more Brits.

The FCO is worried that many British holidaymakers are not familiar with some of the up and coming holiday hotspots and is predicting a big rise in the number of Brits getting into trouble overseas.

Before they head abroad the FCO recommends that holidaymakers should familiarise themselves with the laws and customs of their destination, check FCO travel advice, take out comprehensive travel insurance and take health precautions such as vaccinations.

According to the new report there is a significant reduction in the number of annual travel insurance policies being taken out this winter compared to last winter. The FCO is advising people to remember to take out single trip travel insurance if they decide not to renew their annual policy.

Of respondents planning to go abroad in 2009 no less than 35% said they are worried about tour operators going bust. In light of this the FCO recommends that people book with a tour operator which is ATOL bonded so they are protected in case the company does fail.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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