Geo Travel Blog

More Brits are seeking group bookings and a home from home feel holiday to help keep costs down this year.

Although the travel market has experienced a recent surge in late holiday bookings due to Britains wetter weather, an estimated 12 million people opting to holiday at home this year

However, one company has revealed a real change in the way that were holidaying, ditching costly resort restaurants and expensive day trips in favour of home-cooked meals and quality time with friends and family.

At a time when many tour operators have seen sales dip, Villa Parade reports a 32 per cent increase in sales compared to 2008, and in particular more than 35 % of bookings are for larger villas ” a 10 per cent increase from previous years.

Some villas on offer can hold upwards of 10+ adults which gives you the option of taking large groups of friends or family to the sunshine this year all sharing the cost of accommodation and cooking.

Nick Bartholet, Operations Director at Villa Parade said: Many tour operators have been hit hard by the recession, however were genuinely finding that more and more people are turning to villa holidays because they can be much more affordable than self-catering apartments or half board hotel options. This is thanks to the high quality accommodation and convenience of the facilities. Plus many groups are looking to split the cost of a holiday, making a villa much more affordable when the cost is split.

The biggest expense on holiday is eating out and for a family of four costs can all mount up quickly. Having all the facilities you need in stylish surroundings is a real bonus as many of our customers prefer to make their own meals and spend time in their own environment.

Bicycle hire is up by 60 per cent and bookings for Villa Parades Nintendo Wii are up by 100 per cent, suggesting that many are opting for fun, but cost-effective activities while on their break.

Were seeing more and more of our customers choosing from a full range of items from table tennis and outdoor hot-tubs at no extra charge.

A family of four can spend a day at a waterpark for around 45 and a Nintendo Wii hire for the entire holiday costs just 75.

Were still seeing Britons looking for that sense of staycation but doing so in sunnier climes and more picturesque locations than the UK allowing people to still enjoy the company of friends and family in their own environment-

For more information, visit http://www.villaparade.co.uk