Package holidays make a comeback as millions snap up new deals

PACKAGE holidays are back in fashion as new research suggests 1.5 million more of us will book one compared to last year.

The new study by holiday protection firm ATOL found the breaks are trendy again with holidaymakers because of how stress-free they can be.

An overwhelming 95 per cent of us confess to seeing the appeal of traditional package breaks.

And 15 per cent agree that package holidays are not limited and boring as they once were, but are interesting and varied.

Up to 1.5 million more people are set to enjoy a package break this year than 2015 and many are jetting off on cultured holidays.

Although sunny beach breaks are still the favourite, more than three quarters of us (77 per cent) seek something when booking a trip.

Nearly a fifth, 18 per cent, pay out for cultural trips away and 17 per cent want to experience wildlife holidays.

More than one in ten, 13 per cent, pick walking or hiking holidays and 10 per cent pick trips specifically for driving.

The ATOL survey, of 2,000 UK adults, also revealed young professionals are increasingly buying package holidays because they are quick and easy.

Nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of those aged 18 to 34 agree the speed of booking influences their trip and 76 per cent say package holidays are stress-free.

For a fifth of families, 17 per cent, they like package deals because they can budget accurately for everyone.

And more than one in ten of sensible holidaymakers (11 per cent) book package holidays for peace of mind because they are ATOL protected.

David Clover, of ATOL, said: "Many more UK holidaymakers now recognise that a package holiday is about much more than sun, sea and sand.

"There is now a wealth of different package holiday choices people are taking advantage of from a yoga retreat in Bulgaria or a walking holiday in the Swiss Alps, to canoeing in the Grand Canyon.

"This variety, combined with guaranteed financial protection, makes it a perfect way to take a break for millions of Britons every year.

"While we are seeing package holidays becoming more popular, UK holidaymakers must remember that if they book flights and accommodation with separate companies, they will not be ATOL protected and risk losing their hard-earned money."