The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) has welcomed this week’s announcement by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) regarding headline prices for airline tickets.

Holidaymakers skipping the variable British weather and heading abroad to spend some time on sunny beaches in Europe have been urged to remain vigilant regarding the risk of theft.

There has been a massive increase in lost baggage claims for the first half of the year compared to that seen in 2006, it has been claimed.

While famously child-friendly destinations like Italy and Spain remain popular among British families picking out where to take their holidays, travellers are increasingly being more adventurous

Britons heading abroad and making purchases or withdrawing cash on their debit and credit cards have been warned that they may be paying over the odds for these transactions.

With increasing security measures at airports and risk of delays and costly annual travel insurance claims, it has been reported that - rather than boarding a plane - millions of Britons are opting to drive

Amazingly diverse the Dominican Republic is lavished in sunshine, with a year round temperature of 25°C. Experience the potent mixture of merengue dance, rum cocktails and the laid back way of life

Increasing numbers of property investors and tourists alike are heading to the Macronesian archipelago of Cape Verde as a result of the availability of direct flights to the islands from the UK

Almost two million Britons took advantage of the recent bank holiday weekend to get away from it all, it has been claimed, with sunny destinations and city breaks leading the list of holiday choices.

Strikingly dramatic Lanzarote is like nowhere else on earth. In fact, it looks more like a lunar landscape than a sunny island basking in the warm Atlantic, just off the coast of North Africa. Still, the landscape softens considerably at the coast, where ochre coloured sands create a gentle barrier between land and sea, and a perfect environment from which to enjoy the clear, unpolluted blue waters. Package holidays to Lanzarote generally make the modern, spic and span resorts of Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise their base.

Both offer golden sandy beaches, high quality accommodation and an energetic array of lively bars and good quality restaurants. A fantastic year round climate makes last minute holidays to Lanzarote a sure-fire choice if you’re looking for (almost) guaranteed sun, fascinating sights and family-friendly fun. Clustered around the coast, you’ll see plenty of chances to enjoy a spot of water sports - whether windsurfing, scuba diving or sport fishing is your thing, Lanzarote won’t disappoint. And don’t forget that this beautiful island enjoys ‘duty free’ status, making cheap holidays to Lanzarote even better value.

The malls and souvenir stalls of Puerto del Carmen feature delicate island crafts, striking jewellery and fiery mojo sauces. Arrecife, the island’s engaging capital offers even more choice. International brands, the latest electronic gadgets and exotic-looking sculptures made from the island’s volcanic rock offer thought-provoking gifts. For sculptures of an even more dramatic nature, head to the César Manrique Foundation - the island’s undoubted cultural centre is devoted to the works of the world famous island-based artist.

Not to be outdone, the island itself has created some dramatic art of its own. The Timanfaya National Park is one of the best examples of a volcanic habitat anywhere, with geisers and geothermally heated rocks used to grill your steaks in the neighbouring restaurant). That’s Lanzarote for you - refreshingly different!