Figures from Premier Holidays, the UK's leading independent tour operator, have shown more UK travellers are looking further afield for their 2013 holidays, with a rise of 38 per cent year-on-year in bookings to far flung, exotic locations.   

The most popular Premier Holidays' destinations show Brits are keen to invest in long-haul holidays. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and South Africa are the most popular destinations this year so far, with bookings to Australia more than double compared to the same period in 2012. 

Premier Holidays' Faraway Collection is proving popular for 2013 as travellers become more adventurous, looking for longer escapes offering the chance to experience a brand new culture. Holiday makers are making the most of their trips, often including experiences to enhance their trip or including a stopover to visit another city. 

Premier Holidays specialise in tailor made holidays making it easy to book several destinations and make the most of stopovers. Those looking to escape can book three or four different experiences in one country, such as a city, beach, and safari break in South Africa, or make the most of airline routings, adding extra days to their Dubai or Hong Kong stopover. Multi-centre holidays, with three or more centres, are up 40 per cent year-on-year. 

An increasing number of Brits have become more flexible with their chosen holidays dates and destinations, as they seek to take advantage of the value in travelling outside peak season. Savvy travellers are planning ahead to benefit from the complimentary nights and lower airfares offered during the shoulder seasons, often saving upwards of £500 per person. 

Premier Holidays attribute some of this year on year growth to their ability to cater for these flexible travellers and site large increases in shoulder season travel to demonstrate this. 

However, Premier Holidays has also seen an increasing trend in high value, top end holidays. High revenue bookings are up 21 per cent year-on-year as families and couples travel in peak season to long haul destinations, like Thailand, Malaysia and Australia. 

13 nights in Thailand from £1,225 per person, saving up to £515 per couple
Save up to £515 per couple on holidays to Thailand with Premier Holidays when you book by 30 April 2013. Experience Thailand's bustling capital, natural wildlife and relaxing beaches all in one visit. Spend four nights at the Rembrandt Hotel, Bangkok exploring the street markets and Thai culture. Transfer to Elephant Hills for two nights in Khao Sok, interacting with elephants, preparing their daily meals and watching them bathe. Finish the visit with a peaceful seven nights at Khao Lak beach resort, Briza Beach. This offer is valid for travel between 1 May - 30 June and 6 September to 15 October 2013.

12 nights in Australia from £2,149 per person, saving up to £225 per couple
Experience Australia's most iconic landmarks with Premier Holidays, saving up to £225 per couple when you book by 30 May 2013. Spend five nights exploring lively Sydney, set against the stunning Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge backdrop. Fly to Ayers Rock for two nights at the Outback Pioneer, in the heart of the Red Centre. Then spend five nights relaxing in Cairns, making sure to visit the Great Barrier Reef. This offer is valid for travel between 1 May - 16 June 2013. 

8 nights in South Africa from £1,675 per person, saving up to £385 per couple
Explore South Africa with Premier Holidays, saving up to £385 per couple when you book by 30 June 2013. Spend three nights at the Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge, in the heart of the famous V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Fly onwards to Johannesburg for a two nights stay, including a half day Soweto Township Tour.  Finally, transfer to four star Elandela Lodge for three nights surrounded by Greater Kruger National Park (including 2 game drives a day and full board) - the perfect place to spot the big five. This offer is valid for travel between 1 May - 22 August 2013.

For more information or to book with Premier Holidays visit www.premierholidays.co.uk or call 08444 927 542. 

-ENDS-

For further information:
Maitha Ahmed / Hannah Stalder / Felicity Thompson
Rooster PR
Email: premierholidays@rooster.co.uk 
Tel: +44 (0)20 3440 8924

About Premier Holidays
Premier Holidays (www.premierholidays.co.uk) is a privately-owned, independent tour operator with 75 years experience in organising tailor-made holidays. The company's expert reservations staff have first-hand knowledge on all featured destinations and offer an individual and personalised service to travel agents and consumers. All travellers receive a personalised quotation including itinerary information, destination overview and images.