Bookings take off as Britons pick their parks

Airline-style discounts offered by a major British holiday parks group have seen 2010 bookings rocket by more than 60 percent in the start to the new year.

Park Holidays UK says it hopes the policy will be successful in avoiding the disappointment of those who held out for late-booking discounts last year at its 25 seaside holiday parks.

Many found that the wait had saved them nothing - and cost them their chosen park or dates.

The savings of up to £70 for a family week in peak season represent almost a quarter of the price of some stays - if the holiday is booked before the end of January.

Park Holidays UK, which provided over one million holiday bed-nights in 2009, says it is also offering year-round discounts which recognise the changing dynamics of modern families.

Single parents can claim £30 discounts for accommodation of the same size and quality provided to two-parent families - in contrast to hotels where there is usually a premium to pay for less space.

Young couples with a child under five-years-old in the party can also receive a reduction - and so will partners who holiday together without any children.

According to Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish, a policy of "one price fits all" can seem unfair to some types of holidaymakers, and hit those who might be working on a budget.

"We've taken a very careful look at our pricing structure, and paid heed to comments from customers - and the company will now offer these bonus savings on top of our great value prices.

"But it won't mean that others will be penalised as a result; some of our 2010 prices are even lower than last year," added Tony.

He also assured holidaymakers that advance booking deals and other discounts wouldn't be subject to the types of conditions and "extras" which have made some people wary of budget airline prices.

"You don't even have to pay the full cost up-front when booking early - just a sixty-pounds deposit will secure the booking until closer to the holiday start date," said Tony.

"We are expecting another record year in 2010, and with holiday bookings presently up by around sixty percent on this time last winter, it seems that the heat is already on!" he commented.

More holiday information is available at ParkHolidaysUK.com.