Survey: Weak pound changes holiday plans

The weak pound has made a strong impact on where Brits are intending to take their jolly jaunts this year, a new survey has revealed.

The study, by online travel agent Just the Flight, found that 40 per cent said the sterling's strength would have a "significant" influence on where they travel.

And despite the credit crunch, 85 per cent of Brits are planning to book the same or more flights as they did in 2008.

But to ensure their pennies go further, they will escape the eurozone and travel to destinations such as Egypt, Turkey, Australia and Canada.

The company commented: "With many airlines reducing air fares, many travellers are finding that flights are becoming more affordable in 2009."

People are also more likely to stay closer to home for their time off this year. The British Isles "featured prominently" as a chosen holiday hotspot in the survey.

According to HiFX, as of 09.30 GMT January 22nd 2009, the current foreign exchange rate saw the pound trading at 1.06542 against the euro.