Despite the credit crunch, a spate of recent studies has shown that Britons are unwilling to part with their hard-earned holidays.
For those who are looking to save money and still enjoy a break in the sunshine,
Costa Cruises' winter Mediterranean sailings could be just the answer.
Costa – one of Europe's leading cruise lines – will be offering a number of seven -12 night cruises around the Canary Islands, Greece, Turkey and Morocco, offering holidaymakers a budget-friendly way to escape to warmer climes.
Maurice M Zarmati, chief executive of
Costa Cruises – North America, said: "It's no secret in savvy travel circles that visiting Europe in the off-season is one of the best values out."
Mr Zarmati added that it was also well known that Costa Cruise Lines offered exceptional value for money and urged travellers to consider a European cruise as their "first option" this winter.
Other destinations currently served by
Costa Cruises include the Middle East, South America and the Caribbean.