UK Tourists Return To Their Holiday Favourites

Over the last three to four years the trend among the British public who take holidays abroad has been to move away from their traditional favourite destinations like Spain and the Spanish islands like Lanzarote to new areas like Turkey, Egypt and Morocco.

The reason for the move away from Spain and other traditionally favoured British areas of Europe isn't because those areas are not good holiday areas anymore - but simply because of economics.

The British currency - sterling - has declined in value against the currency most countries favoured by the British for their holidays, including Spain - the Euro. It has pushed up the cost of a family holiday quite a bit, to the extent where destinations not using the Euro have become popular. Turkey, Egypt and Morocco are the three top ones.

But there are signs from travel agent polls and data showing that the British are returning to their old haunts in increasing numbers, and that Spain is coming back into favour.

However, although the percentage of the overall market might be swinging back in favour of traditional holiday areas, huge problems remain for their travel industries as the number of people taking holidays this year has dropped dramatically because of the recession.

Media reports indicate different drops for different locations, for example Cyprus is thought to be experiencing a ten per cent drop in tourist numbers, while the number of people taking holidays in Lanzarote could be double that this year.

The good news for those who do visit Cyprus and for holidays in Lanzarote is that even in the peak summer months the islands won't be crowded, it will be easy to get seats at restaurants, and room for the whole family to stretch out and enjoy themselves on the beach - it could be a great year to visit, but what else will they find in Lanzarote for example, apart from less holidaymakers?

The island is a top dive destination for many divers worldwide for one, and diving lessons for newcomers can be taken. Underwater visibility in the waters around Lanzarote is 65 to 100 feet. Marine life includes angel sharks, moray eels, damselfish, groupers and many others. The occasional hammerhead shark is also known to inhabit the waters off Lanzarote.

Shipwrecks, natural caves and tunnels add to the thrill of diving in Lanzarote. Underwater landmarks have been named by various people over the years. During a visit to Lanzarote you may hear diving locations such as the 'cathedral' which is an underwater cave to the left of the Playa de la Barrilla Bay near Puerto del Carmen.

As well as diving, the wonderful weather in Lanzarote throughout the year is conducive to a variety of sports activities. Take your pick of golf, horseback riding, tennis and windsurfing.

The top golf course on the island is Golf Costa Teguise. The 18 hole golf course was designed by John Harris and built in 1978, and is good for both beginners and expert golfers. The course is located at the base of an inactive volcano and surrounded by all natural flora.

Like much of Lanzarote it's pretty unique, and helps explain why holidaymakers who haven't been to Lanzarote for a few years get the yearning to return again.

More information about Lanzarote including cheap Lanzarote hotels are available with travel guide yourlanzarote.net, who also have other resources for Lanzarote including a map of Lanzarote