Brits look to escape winter gloom

Stag parties and holidaymakers from the UK are increasingly looking to leave the British winter behind in search of sunnier climes, figures suggest.

According to budget airline easyJet, the number of people booking flights to destinations across Europe has increased by 17 per cent this year.

Paul Simmons, the airline's UK general manager, attributed the trend to the "pretty miserable" weather and "bleak economic climate".

Meanwhile, Manchester Metropolitan University psychologist David Holmes said the winter months could be "a good time to recharge" for those who have worked hard all year.

He commented: "By the end of the year, many of us find ourselves feeling jaded and the prospect of returning to work in the dark winter after Christmas fills us with dread."

As a result, the number of people jetting off on stag dos or holidays overseas is continuing to grow, despite the financial pressures brought about by the credit crunch.

According to Travelsupermarket.com, the number of people booking all-inclusive holidays is also on the rise as Britons look to cut the cost of their holidays in 2009.