Family short breaks on the rise

The popularity of short breaks is now reaching the family holiday market, according to one tour operator.

Siblu, which offers breaks in French holiday parcs, says it has recorded more four-night bookings in 2005 than ever before.

Two to four night stays were the fastest growing holiday duration, with long weekends increasing by 13 per cent compared to 2004.

However, seven and 14-night stays still remain the most popular booking period, well ahead of six, ten and 12 night stays, suggesting Brits still like their holidays in traditional one and two week blocks.

"Our booking trends suggest that repeat customers are staying and taking advantage of great deals on 14-night stays, and that we're beginning to attract a new breed of family customer, who is looking for a short stay but refuses to sacrifice on facilities and fun for the kids," said Siblu chief executive Leslie Hurst.

Brittany is the region most visited by Brits travelling with Siblu, formerly Haven Europe, while the Vendee and Charente Maritime on the Atlantic coast, and Languedoc on the Mediterranean coast are popular among fly/drive holidaymakers taking advantage of cheap flights to La Rochelle and Montpellier