The long Dutch winter will lead at least a quarter of a million people to head to the sun during the May half-term break, according to tour operator umbrella group ANVR.

This is an increase of 28% on the same period a year ago, and the ANVR expects the final total to be higher as more people make up their minds what to do.

The traditional May two-week break includes several public holidays, allowing people to make the most of their formal days off work.

So far, bookings to Turkey have risen 40%, followed by Greece (+29%), Spain and France (both +24%), the ANVR said.

Summer holidays

In terms of summer holiday bookings, research by comparison website Zoover shows people still plan to go on holiday, but are likely to remain closer to home so they can drive there.

For example, France has overtaken Spain as the most popular destination, with 10.3% of the summer holiday bookings so far.

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