A SIGNIFICANT increase in the numbers of people from the North-East travelling to sunshine destinations is expected this year by travel agent On the Beach.

The UK company, which carries more than one million customers, says bookings are up by 29 per cent and the No 1 destination is Majorca, which continues to see a 23 per cent increase in demand, year on year.

However, Turkey, specifically the area around Dalaman and resorts such as Marmaris, is seeing the biggest overall increase because of the wide range of all-inclusive resorts which offer great value. Top five destinations for holidaymakers from the North-East are Majorca, Tenerife, Algarve, Lanzarote and Costa Brava.

All-inclusive holidays are the most popular type of holiday, accounting for 47 per cent of bookings from the North-East. Although there is still demand for self-catering (30 per cent), B&B (11 per cent) and half board (ten per cent).

Empty nesters to escaping nesters

RESEARCH into over-50s’ travel habits show they are more likely to be “escaping nesters” than empty nesters, says escorted tour specialist Travelsphere. A recent survey revealed that 90 per cent of over-50s feel that now is the time to visit their dream destinations while they are still fit and healthy, and more than 40 per cent say they can indulge in their passion for travel because their children have finally left the nest.

Long haul tops the destination wish list, with New Zealand and the Canadian Rockies joint first choice. Then comes Norway’s Northern Lights, the Galapagos Islands, Alaska, Japan, Croatia, India, Cambodia and the Baltic States For further information, visit travelsphere.co.uk or call 0800-112-3313.

Half term deals

WITH half-term approaching, children across the UK are looking forward to a week off school having fun. However, for parents the thought of keeping the kids entertained for a week may be daunting, especially on a budget. HotUKDeals may have some answers.

  • Cineworld is running movies for juniors throughout half-term and will be showing Freebirds, Monsters University and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 from only £1. If you don’t have a Cineworld near you, Vue is running a similar deal for £1.75.
  • If you are looking for a creative day at home, a Magic Maize set is half price at £7.50 at the Early Learning Centre 􀁥 If your children are big fans of CBeebies favourite Octonauts, you can treat them to a fun day out at Scarborough Sea Life Centre. Family tickets are less than half price at £28.
  • For more information, see hotukdeals.com

Brits are top hosts

BRITS love to travel, but according to hospitality company Airbnb, we love to host too. A total of 82 per cent of those surveyed believe they are a good host, and one-in-five have people to stay every month.

Airbnb says that on any given night it has 9,000 guests staying in 22,000 listings in the UK.

There has been a 41 per cent rise in Airbnb hosts across the UK, with the most popular cities being London, Edinburgh, Brighton, Oxford and Manchester.

So what makes a good host? Being clean and tidy, serving a hot meal and having a warm house.

Leeds gateway to Costa Brava

RYAN Air has launched a service from Leeds- Bradford to Girona Barcelona, providing a gateway to the Costa Brava. From April 1, flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until October 25.

Yorkshire Rugby League supporters will also be pleased to know they now have an alternative flying option when watching their team play Catalan Dragons, in Perpignan.