January is off to a flying start!

We’re only half way through the month and already we’ve seen record bookings this January. Despite the economic climate it would appear that you, the British public simply won’t go without your holidays. And why should you? There are some fantastic deals to take advantage of and with £1 hotel deposits this month there doesn’t seem to be any holding back.

With so many destinations to choose from, we’ve taken a look at the hottest tips for the summer season – resorts which have outdone themselves in attracting new visitors this year.

The Greek island of Mykonos has had a particularly good start to 2013 with bookings up by a whopping 771% from last year. This will be due in part to the new direct routes Easyjet have added this year from Manchester, but also to people realising what a gem this island really is. The island has some beautiful beaches, amazing history and is known for its stylish, boutique bars and restaurants whilst still retaining a traditional Greek feel. There are several Mykonos hotels doing exceptionally well this month, one of which is the Bellissimo Resort in Agios Ioannis, a 4 star family run hotel which overlooks the coast. Also proving popular is the Madalena Hotel in the centre of Mykonos Town, a simple hotel in the ideal location on the coast and a short walk into the town centre where you can explore the vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of hotels to enjoy in Mykonos, many of which are family run and are traditional white wash buildings with some fantastic views of the coast…… well no wonder it’s doing so well!

Another destination which is seeing a successful January is the city of Budapest with a not too shabby 338% increase in bookings. It’s easy to see why Budapest is an appealing option, as unlike your traditional cities it benefits from cheap prices and excellent value hotels. Of course there is much more to it than low prices; the city has plenty of exciting things to do and is rich in both history and buzzing nightlife. Hotels in Budapest tend to be cheaper than other city hotels, which is why the 4 star Continental Hotel Zara is doing so well this year, a beautiful and high quality hotel at a very reasonable price. The same can be said for the Carlton Budapest Hotel, another 4 star hotel set in the romantic Castle Quarter. Budapest is worth considering for a city break as it’s suitable for both couples and groups and it really is an exciting city to explore.

The Italian town of Sorrento has seen a 334% bookings increase so far in 2013, with many likely to be attracted to the beautiful unspoilt coastline. We discussed in a previous post about Sorrento how the picturesque town is perfect for relaxing and getting a taste of traditional Italy. Many Sorrento hotels benefit from fantastic views overlooking the coast, one in particular being the Antiche Mura Hotel, which benefits from being positioned on a hill. The Eden Hotel, close to the town centre, will also be welcoming many new guests this year. The hotel is a comfortable and friendly 3 star hotel which has proved popular with previous guests. Though Sorrento is a small town it certainly isn’t one to be dismissed; it’s an exciting, cultural place to stay and looking at recent bookings it’s clear that this is becoming well-known.