Monday, February 5, 2007
Category:
Secured Loans
Research from Barclays Travel Insurance has shown that British holidaymakers are shunning the slopes for trips down under.
There has been a huge increase of British tourists visiting Melbourne and Sydney this winter as millions opted to watch the Ashes rather than take to the ski slopes. Sydney saw a 25% increase in British visitors, while those going to Melbourne increased by 140%.
Australia is not the only destination to see an increase of British holiday makers. Hong Kong and Phuket, both popular stop overs for Australian trips, were also visited by a larger number of Brits this year as was New York. The top five holiday spots by number of British tourists during December and January are Paris, Sydney, Dublin, New York and Dubai. When it comes to spending, British holiday makers are forking out the most in Las Vegas, Verbier and Phuket. Those visiting Dublin, Paris and Prague are spending the least.
Spend and trips to European ski resorts Meribel, Val D’Isere and Chamonix are down by 18% in comparison to last year. The limited snow fall so far this year is said not to have helped.
Mark Till, Marketing Director for Barclays Insurance, said ‘Long haul breaks seem to be becoming increasingly popular with British holidaymakers over the Christmas and New Year period. Flights are getting cheaper and Brits are prepared to trek further for the chance of some proper winter sunshine. Of course this year the numbers travelling to Australia were boosted further by the added attraction of the Ashes taking place whilst Europe’s slow start to the ski season due to a lack of snow has also encouraged tourists to look elsewhere.’
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Homeowners looking to take that long deserved holiday of a lifetime could consider financing it with a
secured loan. One of many options, a secured loan could help pay for a family trip down under, in the snow or maybe even on a deserted beach. A secured loan can help pay for flights, accommodation, food, gifts and memorabilia. Homeowners could also consider a secured loan to help pay for long awaited home improvements once home from the holiday of a lifetime. Secured loans can help fund smaller projects such as decorating or refitting kitchens and bathrooms, all the way to funding bigger projects like extending to make way for a growing family. Whether it be an extension, loft conversion or conservatory that is needed to make space for a growing family, a secured loan can help finance the project. Secured loans can be taken over a term of 5 to 25 years.
