Celebrities inspire surge in beach breaks

British travellers are so keen to dip their toes in the same warm waters as their A-list counterparts that many are in increasingly booking beach breaks based on the destinations favoured by high-profile celebs.

British Airways has reported a surge in booking to locations that are a hit with the celebrity crowd in its January sales, with the sight of holiday snaps posted on social media by music, TV and sporting stars over the Christmas and New Year period inspiring droves of UK holidaymakers to organise an overseas break. The airline said that a bookings boom had been recorded in holidays to Barbados and St Lucia, both of which increased by 130% year-on-year, as the Caribbean fast became a playground for the rich and famous.

Simon Cowell, Coleen Rooney, Olly Murs and native Rihanna have been drawn back to the crystal clear waters of Barbados time and again. The charms of St Lucia have also proved irresistible to celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and her boyfriend Kanye West, as well as Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Sun-loving celebs have also flocked to the ‘Spanish Caribbean’, with Alexa Chung, Pixie Geldof and Nick Grimshaw partying up a storm in Puerto Rico. Claire Bentley, British Airways Holidays managing director, said: “The start of the year is always the busiest time for bookings – people are back at work and need something to look forward to.

“The wet weather over Christmas, combined with lots of enticing pictures of celebrities on holiday has clearly influenced the rise we’re seeing in beach holidays.” British Airways also revealed that bookings to Hawaii had increased by up to 100% over the last twelve months, with the area’s natural beauty and stunning beaches proving a hit with the likes of Katy Perry, Steven Tyler, Jude Law and even US President Barack Obama.

If you are planning an overseas holiday in 2013, it is crucial to secure the right type of travel insurance policy before you leave.

Date Created: 16/01/2013