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The early bird catches the online 2014 holiday deals ; Travel news [Western Daily Press (UK)](Western Daily Press (UK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) There have been many headlines, and much criticism, about the levels of online shopping on Christmas Day this year - surely, for just one day, the nation could take a break from its internet addiction? Well, some people were at least planning a break... Tour company Thomson and First Choice reported online bookings for holidays in 2014 peaked between 10am and 12pm on Christmas Day. Jeremy Ellis, marketing and digital director for Thomson and First Choice, says: "Our January sale began early again on December 20, with bad weather again prompting more Brits to plan escapes to the sunshine." Thomas Cook's new year campaign also launched pre-Christmas, and includes discounts up to Pounds 300, kids' places from Pounds 1, "3 for 2" benefits on Thomas Cook Airlines, innovative hotel concepts for families and flexible options on flights from 19 UK airports. Low deposits from many companies are also a big magnet for early bookers. For example, on lowcostholidays.com, you would only have to put down Pounds 25 on seven-night all-inclusives in May in a three- star Costa Blanca hotel from Pounds 209 or seven-night room-only stays in June in Orlando, Florida, from Pounds 528, including flights. It's therefore unsurprising that the website saw Boxing Day traffic up by 20 per cent. At easyJet Holidays they offer other incentives too - early bookers can get 50 euros spending money if they book summer 2014 breaks, of five nights or more between May 1 and September 30, by January 31. After the deposit, they can pay the balance two weeks before departure. Bob Atkinson, travel expert from TravelSupermarket says: "Wherever you go though, January is a key booking time." (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |