Abta convention

Cost-conscious travellers are still going on their holidays but are watching the pennies more than before. The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) says in the 12 months to August, 60% took a foreign holiday, up from 57% the previous year, and the highest figure since 2011.

But rising pressures on household finances and a weak pound, particularly against the euro, have made many of us increasingly aware of prices.

The average spend is down €27 (€667 to €640) for longer holidays abroad, and has dropped €45 (€353 to €308) for longer holidays.

Spain and Portugal continue to be the most popular choice for our package holidays, but Greece Europe also had a and Eastern good summer. Greek getaways were up to 10% year on year. Trips Turkey Bulgaria rose 21%, but 65%. was the star, soaring by

Young people are looking to high street travel agents for advice about their vacations.

Nearly a third (32%) say they know a travel professional can help them seek out unique and original holiday experiences.

Overall, the poll for Abta found people said the main advantages of visiting a travel agency were ease of booking, saving time and feeling more confident.

Tailor-made long-haul holidays brand Meraki Travel has been unveiled.

The online firm is from the same stable as Kuoni and will offer holidaymakers an intuitive web getaway builder with ‘dynamic functionality’ to allow customisation of an itinerary with live pricing changes as they are made.

India will be the first destination to launch next month, followed by South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Canada and China. merakitravel.co.uk

■■Holiday price comparison and deals site icelolly.com revealed a new platform specifically designed for customers seeking inspiration, new ideas and value. Its Deals Collection highlights deal types and curated ‘editor’s picks’ such as all-inclusive and family getaways as well as experiences including dining, days out, spas and Christmas markets.