UK holidaymakers 'in it for the long-haul'

People thinking of going on a mini break are increasingly opting for long-haul options, it has been claimed.

According to Halifax, nearly five million tourists have planned for a long-haul break this year, which may see them taking a Seychelles holiday or a Barbados holiday.

However, the building society's research found that north America was the most popular destination, possibly due to the weakening state of the dollar against the pound.

The reasons for such excursions include weddings abroad, as well as honeymoons and stag and hen parties, while the development of in-flight entertainment has contributed to people's tolerance of longer journeys, according to the study.

Paul Birkhead, spokesperson for Halifax, commented: "Better airline quality, the lure of winter sun, favourable exchange rates and cheaper long haul flights has created a boom in demand for long-haul mini breaks, with millions of us enduring long flights for a weekend break on the other side of the globe."

According to esure.com, many Britons feel they have to splash out on an expensive honeymoon so that they can have the holiday of a lifetime.