The travel experts at Directline Holidays (www.directline-holidays.co.uk) report telephone booking enquiries are up 15% and online searches are 30% ahead of forecasts for Directline Holidays based on the same time period last year.

Maria Whiteman, CEO of Directline Holidays said: “This time last year we were enjoying a heat wave. This week we’ve seen the bookies slashing the odds on bets for a White Easter so it’s unsurprising so many British holidaymakers are seeking solace and booking a sun trip to look forward to.”

Whiteman added: “Britain’s bad weather has created a flood of passengers eager to fly to sun soaked destinations such as Egypt, Cape Verde, Balearics.”