Cold snap sees last minute bookings soar

Plunging temperatures and the surprise appearance of unseasonable snow has seen bookings to warmer climes to soar reveals leading travel and leisure retailer lastminute.com.

Whilst Britons may be trying to weather the credit crunch, this week's cold spell - which included Artic temperatures with many part of the country covered in a blanket of snow - is proving just too much for many and as a result bookings are up more than 35% so far this week compared to the same period last year.

As the credit crunch tightens its grip, it is the non-Euro zones that continue to be a popular choice as people look to stretch their pounds further. Bookings to Morocco and Turkey are all up more than 25% compared to this time last year, whilst Egypt and Tunisia lead the way with bookings up more than 30%, as Britons seek to thaw out in maximum sunshine.

Mid-haul destinations including Dubai, The Gambia and Cape Verde are also seeing Britons pack their swim suits and head to their shores, with bookings up a surprising 15% for this time of the year.

lastminute.com Director of Sales, Andy Washington said: “Whilst people may hate digging out their thermals, it’s proving great for bookings.

“Obviously the credit crunch is playing a part in where people go and for how long, with many opting to go for a short break to recharge the batteries, but it’s certainly not stopping people grab some winter sun.”