Brits 'securing early travel deals'

Many people in Britain have taken steps to secure early travel deals in 2012, new research has shown.

Carried out by Direct Line, the study revealed 8.7 million individuals have already booked their main holiday this year, while a further 8.9 million have started looking at their options without finalising an agreement.

In addition, the investigation suggested a high number of Brits are eager to secure travel deals on the cheap, with many taking advantage of flight discounts and package holidays in order to make their money stretch further.

Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line - which began operations in April 1985 - advised vacationers to get hold of travel insurance as soon as they have booked their holiday.

The industry figure added: "You'll be covered for cancellation should you be unable to travel for an unexpected reason and you won't have to hunt around for a deal at the last minute."