A recent survey by an independent consumer research body has revealed that Britons are content with paying more for their annual trip abroad as long as the experience is a memorable one.

The days when price appeared to be the most important aspect of a holiday are gone as people are more willing to save up for a package with a leading long-haul travel specialist rather than opt for a rival budget operator.

The Which? magazine poll found that Kuoni and Trailfinders were more popular with their readers than the likes of Thomas Cook and Thomson despite the price difference for a holiday amounting to almost double in some cases.

The Grímsvötn volcano eruption which began last weekend signalled similar confusion to that experienced this time last year. Although many flights across Europe are returning to normal, there have been many cancellations over the past few days, with people unsure whether their airline has been affected.

If you are worried about whether your flight booking is due to go ahead on time it is always best to speak to your airline or tour operator for the latest on the situation. The best piece of advice I can give is not to assume anything.

It is recommended that you check online for updates on the ash cloud whereabouts and for more information.

When it came to holidays as a child, I remember being taken on many caravan trips across the UK. We rarely went abroad and when I look back at it now I don’t really feel i’ve missed out.

I may have made up for that in my adult years, with holidays to the US, New Zealand and throughout Europe, but I always remember those camping excursions very fondly. Many times we went to North Wales and places like Llandudno and Pwllheli and had a great time on the beach. I have also been to the Lake District and indulged in a lot of walking.

These were certainly active holidays and a far cry from just lounging around on a beach soaking up the sun. Camping outdoors can be less comfortable when it is raining, but it is all part of the fun. With caravans you obviously have more in the way of amenities, but either way, these holidays can be a really good laugh.