Holidays on hold due to spiralling fuel costs

Spiralling fuel costs and the weak pound could add as much as £2500 to an average family summer holiday next year as travel companies feel the pain.

With the possibility of a recession growing, major operators are cutting the number of deals available to would be travellers.

Experts have warned of a revival of the 1970s when people saved up for their holidays and went without other luxuries to afford a holiday abroad.

Travellers who are prepared to make their own bookings rather than through a travel agency should avoid some of the price hikes, but will still be hit by surging air fares. Flights alone may rise by as much as 15% by next summer. Add the strength of the euro against the pound and people will experience a further 10 to 15% per cent premium on the already high holiday prices.

In the current economic climate modest holiday plans similar to the political leaders may be advisable. Gordon Brown is taking a traditional break on the coast of East Anglia while Conservative leader David Cameron is going to Cornwall with his family.

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