Sun sets on package holidays

Package holidays in the sun are being put in the shade by independently-booked breaks, it was revealed today.

While 25 per cent of adults booked a package in the past year, as many as 38 per cent sorted out their travel arrangements by themselves, a survey by research company Mintel showed.

For three in five adults, unwinding is the number one goal on holiday, with the desire for a good beach or pool the wish of only 36 per cent.

Sightseeing and absorbing local culture were also higher priorities than beaches.

Britons were expected to book 24 million independent holidays this year - 55 per cent of the holiday-booking market. Last year, 22 million independent breaks were booked.

Forty per cent booked their independent breaks on the internet.