More UK Holidaymakers Head For The Sun In 2011

This month a survey indicates that UK tourists are planning a return to overseas vacations for 2011, after two years of a move to a week or two away within the UK - dubbed by the media as 'staycations'.

While it may not be good for UK hoteliers, it comes as a relief to travel industries in popular destnations such as Spain and the Balearic Islands of Majorca and Menorca, who have seen less British tourists make their way there over the last two years.

Leading travel site TripAdvisor had a poll, and the results show that the number of people planning at least one trip in the UK for next year drops from 73 per cent who took one in 2010 to 67 per cent in 2011.

While all inclusive is a trend increasing in popularity while the economic outlook is still uncretain as it offers tourists a good way of keeping within their budget, surprising and welcome news for the Spanish holiday resorts is that around a third of all those intending to visit in 2011 predicted that they would take more spending money with them than before.

With bars and restaurants in locations such as Menorca losing out when people take all inclusive packages it's a hopeful sign that it will see a return of British vistors on their Menorca holidays choosing to have lunch time and evening meals in independent establishments outside of their hotel facilities.

A representative forTripAdvisor who undertook the opinion poll commented: 'Overall, 2011 looks more positive for both travellers and the travel industry. Britons intend to travel more often and will spend more money doing so, but will proceed with caution as the industry emerges slowly from a very difficult year.'

For those who haven't had a holiday overseas in the last couple of years and are considering where to go, what does the Spanish island of Menorca have that might attract them there? Ease of getting there is a good starter, with a 2 hour flight from the UK, and with quite a few airlines serving the island with flights to Menorca prices are reasonable.

Although the beaches and villages may be enough in itself to keep tourists busy for an entire holiday, Menorca is also rich in culture and history. This is visible in its renowned collection of ancient stone monoliths which bear tales of prehistoric times. Although the island has been a territory of Spain for over two hundred years, there is still much evidence of her British roots, some English style architectural influences are still apparent even after the passage of time.

Menorca is known for its quiet fishing villages and laid back resorts. Its holiday package differs from those of other islands in the area. It is geared more towards holidaymakers seeking relaxation as opposed to hard partying. The island also has a variety of attractions and sights to keep any visitor happy who is looking for a relaxing time, and for many holidays in Menorca offer an excellent mix of sports like golf, good beaches, restaurants and evening entertainment.

If you haven't been before and wondering where to stay, Cala en Porter is the original village that started it all when the jet age arrived, and airlines began to run regular flights to Menorca.

It's situated on the eastern side of a deep gorge that opens onto the beach and has a small stream running alongside during most of the year. Cala en Porter has just about everything you could want for a fun. A full range of shops, restaurants and bars are all there, with car hire facilities and quite a few people choose here for their Menorca holiday villas -if you're staying there check out the Cova d'en Xoroi, which are caves set into the cliffs, now made into a night club. And if you want good hotels in Menorca the main one in the town was refurbished last year and has been getting good reviews.

An alternative fairly closeby is Binibeca - a good character village but more suited for families with older children or couples than for young families, as one its main attributes is the peace and quiet. When you look at holiday brochures it's to the west of the island on a map of Menorca. The village consists of all low rise apartments and villas, and there are restaurants and shops in the village.

Wherever UK tourists decide to stay on the island, they'll get good sunshine June to September and a warm welcome from islanders.

About the Author

Menorca resources for tourists are available with www.yourmenorca.net

A map, the weather and other holidays in Minorca details are online.

Author (Osborne). Submitted on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 Time: 9:40 AM

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