Internet hits package holiday firms

MILLIONS saw them as the ideal summer break in resorts such as Benidorm or Lloret de Mar. The appeal of package holidays lay in sun, sangria and remaining in close contact with fellow Brits.

But since the advent of the internet and budget airlines, increasing numbers shun such organised vacations and make their own plans.

According to retail analysts Mintel, Britons will book about 24m independent holidays this year - 55% of the market.

This is a rise of 60% since 1998, with spending more than doubled to an estimated £11.7bn.

Mintel predicts that such spending on independent holidays will rocket to £21bn within five years.

The web and cheap fares have also brought a boom in short breaks, again widening horizons.

Keith Betton, of the Association of British Travel Agents said: 'These predictions for independent travel underline the reason why our members are adapting quickly to offer very flexible booking arrangements for those customers who want to remain relatively independent.'