Independent vote
By next year, more people will be travelling independently than taking package holidays, according to Mintel research for Michelin Travel Publications. But independent travel is far from dominated by the young because the backpacker of the 80s and 90s has now left higher education with large debts and a desire to get into the working world as soon as possible.
The research identifies two emerging groups of travellers - young executive thrill seekers and golden-age travellers. Mintel forecasts that demand for long-haul "exotic" holidays will be spearheaded by these two groups.
Passage of poetry
P&O Portsmouth have been awarded a plaque from the Poetry Society, which they have put on the Pride of Bilbao, in recognition of their support of poet Jenni Meredith who travelled on their ships to France and Spain last year bringing "poetry to the masses".
Free upgrade
British Airways Holidays (0870 24 24 243) is offering customers a free upgrade to Club Europe, one way for departures between July and September to selected cities in Europe. Benefits of Club Europe include the use of the BA lounges and fast-track airport facilities, priority check-in and upgrade meals. Cities include Athens, Florence, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Madrid, Milan, Rome, Verona and Venice.
Simple cuisine
Nearly 70% of people surveyed by Simply Travel (020-8541 1222) said that a major factor in their holiday choice was the cuisine of their destination. The company has produced a small recipe book as a result, which is available free.
Fairway to heaven
The travel agency that has chartered the QE2 to act as a floating hotel during the Open at St Andrews from July 18-25 has come up with a package for the golf fan with money to spare - seven nights all in for £5,899pp, based on double occupancy in the best cabins. Details from Scotia Travel 0141-305 5050.
Hard succour
Two-thirds of 500 travellers crossing the Channel told Halfords that boiled sweets were still the key to surviving long summer car journeys. Nine out of 10 motorists knew they should carry a warning triangle but only just over half had one.
