© maveric2003

It would appear that the British have no intention of giving up their holidays despite inflation busting increases in the price of food, fuel and mortgage costs eating up a higher proportion of household budgets. In fact, defying logic, there's been a 40% increase in holiday bookings during the first three months of 2008, compared to the 2007 figures.

Why is this? Are people so stressed that they feel they couldn't cope without a holiday to look forward too? Have several holiday and short breaks a year become an integral way of life? Maybe they will choose a cheaper holiday e.g. stay at a 3 star hotel instead of a 4 star or a short haul instead of a long haul destination.

Is the rising cost of living affecting your travel plans this year? Personally, I've found the fall in the value of the pound against the euro is pushing up my spending in mainland Europe by more than 10%. This is having more influence on my travel plans than the rising cost of living in the UK.