UK Tourist Attractions

Cruise holidays are growing in popularity among Britons, as more and more people are finding budget airline flights to be more trouble than they are worth – literally. Statistics show that the number of holidaymakers departing on cruise ships from ports around the UK grew by nearly 25 per cent last year, with around 40 per cent of all cruises booked leaving from British harbors. Known as ex-Britain cruising, these numbers are only set to grow, especially as three ex-Britain cruise ships are due to be launched by British company Cruise & Maritime next year.

One source within the cruise industry believes that the number of ex-Britain cruises will grow in relation to the number of cruises that are booked to depart from overseas, i.e. fly-cruising. It is expected that as the industry grows, more companies will take their ships to more obscure ports around the UK, as demand for holidays dictates departure points. P&O cruises believe the main thing that holidaymakers want is convenience, and will have 128 ships leaving from Southampton.

Currently, those considering a cruise are most likely to book to go from major UK ports such as Dover, Southampton and Portsmouth, all of which are easily accessible via main roads and rail services. For those who don’t have their own transport, and prefer not to travel by train, P&O are able to offer their cruise customers coach transfers, with pick up and drop off points in 50 different locations around the country. So, the first thing to decide is where you would like to go, and how long you would like your trip to last. The world is most certainly your oyster.

If you intend on holidaying in the UK this summer, you are amongst a growing band of Britons who have turned their back on traveling abroad – at least for now. Economic uncertainty and straightforward prudence mean that rather than shell out thousands of pounds on taking the family abroad people are opting to take their main holiday in the UK.

Let’s face it, the reason most people travel abroad isn’t because there’s nothing to see or do in the UK, but rather that the British summer weather can be a trifle unpredictable. However, now that the nation’s weather forecasters are telling us that this year’s summer is set to be fantastically sunny then that just puts the icing on the cake of holidaying in the UK.

The UK may be a small country, but there is an incredible variety in terms of what’s available for holidaymakers. Being an island helps as there is plenty of shoreline and with a plethora of coastal resorts of varying levels of sophistication. From the traditional ‘kiss me quick’ hats, Pleasure Beach theme park and Tower of Blackpool to the more refined elegance of the Dorset town of Bournemouth; there is something for any family wishing to have a seaside holiday.

Alternatively, with such fantastic spots of natural beauty throughout the UK such as the Lake District, Exmoor, Dartmoor, the Peak District, and so on, there is also plenty of choice for those seeking an activity holiday. Perhaps even a trip to London to see what the capital has to offer such as the UK’s biggest tourist attraction the London Eye, as well as the proliferation of other attractions.

A word of warning, however, if you are intending on holiday in the UK this summer - don’t let thieves or accidents ruin it. Having travel insurance UK is just as important as it would be if you jetted off abroad. The risks associated with a holiday at home are almost identical to traveling abroad and with the exception of your passport just about everything you would take abroad with you will also be packed for a holiday in the UK.

Just imagine how your holiday could soon turn into a nightmare if your wallet or purse was stolen. Away from home you would have to cancel all your cards and therefore have great difficulty in getting any cash. Travel insurance, even if staying in the UK, usually allows for the provision of emergency replacement cash, which may just save the holiday!

Of course, the majority of holidaymakers, whether in the UK or abroad, never have to claim on their travel insurance, but having it allows for peace of mind when travelling, allowing you to enjoy a fabulous holiday!