Thousands pre-book 2003's sun exodus

TENS of thousands of people fed up with the never-ending miserable summer are already booking their holiday in the sun for next year.

With many people taking two or more holidays a year, it is estimated that up to one million people will take to the sun in 2003.

Falcon Holidays enjoyed a surge in business after launching their 2003 holiday brochure in Dublin yesterday.

Even with a large number of families only just back from this year's holiday and some still away travel agents are as busy as ever.

Damien Mooney, managing director of Falcon/JWT Holidays, said the market for 2003 was performing on a par with last year, if not slightly better.

He said the unreliable Irish summer had been a huge factor in the number of people wanting to escape this year and those looking to secure their place in the sun in 2003.

Mr Mooney said they had found that families were particularly anxious to book their holiday as soon as possible so they could get exactly what they wanted.

Falcon's new holiday offers include children's swimming classes, football lessons with former soccer stars and pre-bookable strollers with sun canopies.

Also on sale yesterday were a selected range of four and five-star hotels and private villas for those seeking the ultimate luxury holiday break.

Early booking incentives for 2003 include free child and grandparent places; up to 160 off family holiday packages; special savings for single parent families and free places for large groups.

Falcon have also arranged for extra holiday flights from Cork and Shannon next year.

From May 2003 there will be direct holiday flights from Cork to Menorca, Costa de Sol and the Costa Almeria. New destinations from Cork are the Canary island of Fuerteventura and the Greek island of Crete.

Shannon sun-seekers will also be able to fly direct to Menorca, Costa del Sol and the Costa Almeria. A new destination from Shannon for next summer is Grand Canaria.

Meanwhile, more than 210,000 passengers are expected to pass through Dublin Airport this weekend. More than 350 charter flights, mainly to sun destinations, have been added to the normal schedule.

More than 1,600 flights will take off and land at the airport this weekend.

Off-peak offers

Here are some off-peak family holidays for two adults and two children:

Mainland Spain

Costa Dorada (about an hour and half south of Barcelona).

Cye Holiday Centre 1,188euro for 14 nights.

Sun Club 1,277euro for 14 nights. Those availing of Falcon's early booking offer can get the price reduced by up to 160euro.

Majorca

Vista Club 1,372euro for 14 nights.

Free child places will reduce the price.

Lanzarote

San Marbial 1,688euro for 14 nights.

Portugal

Villa Alba 1,915euro for 14 nights.

An early booking reduction of 160euro would make the price 1,755euro.

Family holidays booked during July and August can cost at least 50% more.

Also, an extra 2 a day may apply for smaller parties.