Brits intend to book holidays before the end of February 2007

Around 15.44 million people intend to book holidays between the end of Christmas and February 2007, with 9% of these being purchased during the first week after Christmas.

The findings are from new research from Sainsbury’s Bank, which reveals that people intend to spend around £677 per person on these holidays. However, some 19% of these early holiday bookers intend to spend over £1,000 per person.

Before booking holidays, Sainsbury’s Bank is urging people to shop around for their travel insurance and make sure that they have adequate cover at a competitive price. The bank’s research suggests that many will not do this as 12% of people booking holidays between the end of December 2006 and February 2007 (1.85 million people) intend to purchase their travel insurance from their travel agents.

Robert O’May, travel insurance manager, Sainsbury’s Bank said: “At this time of year when people are planning their next trip its easy to get excited about destinations, resorts and even flights but travel insurance may seem a little mundane. It's worth remembering that shopping around for insurance is just as important as you could save against travel agent prices."

As people take more holidays, often travelling further afield and participating in more adventurous activities, travel insurance is now more important than ever before. There are hundreds of policies to choose from so it's worth making sure you not only find a policy that offers quality cover and benefits, but one that is also competitively priced. Why rush or feel under pressure to buy insurance when in the travel agent. Take some time to investigate the best deal for you and your family."

People in London and the Midlands are the keenest to book a holiday in the New Year, where 36% respectively are planning to do this between the end of Christmas and February 2007, whereas only 28% of people in the South of England are planning to do this, the lowest recording in the country.

Sainsbury’s Bank annual cover starts from £30.00 online.