WE are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle East.
Price comparison site TravelSupermarket has found British holidaymakers are returning to reliable European favourites but also looking further afield.
In the first 25 days of March, interest surged for the Italian island of Sardinia, with searches up 236 per cent.
Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “What’s striking about this data is the range of destinations seeing a boost.
“On the one hand, you have Majorca and Bodrum, places that Brits know and love, seeing huge jumps, which tells you a lot of people just want the certainty of a tried-and-trusted destination.
“But then you have California in the top ten, which is a sign some travellers are using this moment to think differently about where they want to go.”
We’ve found great deals for some of the destinations seeing the big increases in online searches.
1. SARDINIA – Searches up 236%
THIS Italian island is the ultimate beach destination and promises pristine white sands with turquoise waters.
From the granite coves and glitzy resorts on the Costa Smeralda, to the dramatic cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei, there is huge choice.
The 4* Sentido Orosei Beach sits on wide, soft white sands and has a huge pool to laze alongside.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £766pp including flights from Stansted on May 20, 22kg luggage and transfers.
For details see jet2holidays.com.
2. MAJORCA – Searches up 168%
IT has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surprise.
From family-friendly resorts such as Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona, to the laidback delights of Sa Coma for couples, there is something for everyone.
The Tui Blue Levante sits in one of Cala Bona’s smartest spots and has indoor and outdoor pools, as well as direct beach access.
Seven nights’ half-board is from £442pp including flights from Gatwick on April 17, 25kg luggage and transfers.
See tui.co.uk.
3. BODRUM – Searches up 138%
WITH its perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich history, the coastline on this Turkish delight is dotted with beautiful beaches and lively coastal spots.
A standout is the 5* Bodrum Holiday Resort, set directly on the shores of a crystal- clear bay.
There is lots to keep little ones entertained, including a water park with five slides.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £279pp including flights from Gatwick on April 19.
See loveholidays.com.
4. MONTENEGRO – Searches up 122%
SMALLER than Wales, this tiny Balkan country on the shores of the Adriatic has so much to offer, from beautiful beaches to sleepy medieval villages and dramatic mountain scenery.
The 4* Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort sits alongside the beautiful Bay of Kotor, and has stunning views over the surrounding hills and mountains from the outdoor pool.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,110 including flights from Birmingham on May 7, 22kg luggage and transfers.
For details see jet2holidays.com.
5. TUSCANY – Searches up 122%
THERE’S no better place to start exploring the idyllic Tuscan way of life than with a city break to its capital, Florence.
Breathtaking Renaissance art, architectural masterpieces and restaurants for hearty food are all within easy walking distance of the Italian gem.
The 4* Hotel Embassy with cosy interiors sits in an elegant 19th-century building close to the city centre.
Three nights’ room-only is from £468pp including flights from Luton on May 4.
Check out easyjet.com/en/holidays.
6. SOUSSE – Searches up 102%
YOU are guaranteed a sunshine break with a difference on the shores of the Mediterranean here in Tunisia.
The historic city and its 3,000 years of history sit alongside Bou Jaafar Beach with 10km of sugar-soft sands.
The 3* Marhaba Salem Hotel has palm tree-filled gardens right beside a sandy beach, as well as five pools.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £396pp, which includes flights from Birmingham on April 20.
Head to tui.co.uk for more details.
7. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Searches up 95%
THERE are more and more travellers looking towards the Caribbean for their long-haul sunshine breaks.
So it’s no wonder this holiday favourite is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parks.
The 3.5* Sunscape Dominicus La Romana hotel is next to the soft sands of Playa Dominicus and has 13 restaurants, as well as plenty of activities on water and land.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,081pp including British Airways flights from Gatwick on October 25.
See britishairways.com.
8. CROATIA Searches up 91%
KNOWN as the Land of a Thousand Islands, the crystal-clear waters of this Adriatic wonder are the big attraction.
The 2,700 hours of annual sunshine definitely help, combined with the fascinating history in Dubrovnik.
The 5* Hotel Croatia Cavtat is a 30-minute drive or boat ride from the famous city but also offers the chance to switch off and relax in style overlooking the waters of Cavtat Bay.
There’s a spa with indoor pool and rooftop pool to soak up the rays.
Seven nights’ B&B is from £576pp including flights from Bristol on April 12.
9. CALIFORNIA – Searches up 90%
WITH the World Cup arriving this summer, the West Coast of the US was always going to be of added interest.
The state is hosting 14 matches, in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
But there’s also the long-awaited reopening of Highway 1 through Big Sur after years of reconstruction.
Take a road trip to experience it all. Virgin Holidays has flights from Heathrow to Los Angeles plus seven nights’ car hire from £782pp in May.
See virginatlantic.com/holidays.
10. ST LUCIA – Searches up 86%
THE Caribbean paradise is an-eight hour direct flight from the UK and promises rainforest adventures, volcanic mud baths and, of course, endless beaches.
The small but perfectly formed Bay Gardens Inn is in lively Rodney Bay, a short walk from Reduit Beach.
There’s also a complimentary shuttle to sister hotel Bay Gardens Beach Resort where you can enjoy the beach and water park.
Seven nights’ room-only is from £1,004pp including flights from Gatwick on September 15.
To book, see britishairways.com.