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Snap Decisions

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SOURCE TravelSupermarket.com

CHESTER, England, February 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• TravelSupermarket reveals the impact social media pictures have on our holiday inspiration

It seems that pictures of bikini-clad celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Coleen Rooney have little to offer in the way of holiday inspiration. According to TravelSupermarket, it's the more realistic snaps of our friends' holidays that turn our thoughts towards our next getaway.

TravelSupermarket's 2013 Travel Trends Tracker reveals the importance we place on recommendations from our friends when it comes to holiday planning, with over a third (36 per cent) admitting they influence their destination choice. The extensive study of 5,000 holidaymakers shows that a further six per cent are influenced by their friends' photos on Facebook and other social networks, while only one per cent makes their decision based on celebrity holiday hot spots.

Younger generations (those aged between 18 and 29) are the most likely to consider photos on Facebook a reliable resource (14 per cent). However, as with other age groups, online comparison and reviews sites (42 per cent) prove to be everyone's most popular port of call.

Despite only 12 per cent of holidaymakers being inspired by dedicated travel programmes on television, TravelSupermarket has noticed that TV series do impact searches on its site. The X Factor 'Judges Houses' episodes saw searches to Las Vegas soar by 236 per cent, after it was featured on the show in October last year.* Meanwhile searches to the coastal resort of Benidorm were nearly double** their normal levels during the fifth series premier of the popular holiday show last year.

Just over a quarter (28 per cent) of holidaymakers are still influenced by brochures, while face-to-face recommendations from travel agents are important for nine per cent of holidaymakers.

Bob Atkinson, travel expert from TravelSupermarket comments: "Holiday research is absolutely vital. We want to be sure that our holiday will meet our expectations and we like to get a feel for new destinations and resorts before we commit. This is easier than ever because we can get inspiration and advice online at the click of a button - but the key is to find a trusted source. Seeking advice from people you know is a great place to start and looking at their holiday snaps give you the real picture - not an edited version. However, tools such as price comparison websites can also help by ensuring you're getting the best deal and letting you evaluate all your options before booking the best holiday for you and your family.

"If you have questions when researching online you can engage with online travel providers by phone and in some cases in person by visiting their retail outlets where experienced staff can help answer your queries. Some companies also offer online chat assistance making it easier than ever to get expert advice while benefitting from the choice and prices offered by the web."

Notes to editors:

*Las Vegas statistic sourced by TravelSupermarket.com based on flight searches to Las Vegas between 8pm on Saturday 29^th September 2012 to 12am (midnight) on Sunday 30 September 2012 to the same period the previous week.

**Benidorm statistic sourced by TravelSupermarket.com based on holidays searches for Benidorm on 17 February 2012 2012 21.00 - 22.00 vs. 24 February 2012 21.00-22.00

Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 5,256 UK holidaymakers, on behalf of TravelSupermarket.com, aged 18+ from 27 November to 7 December 2012. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.

About TravelSupermarket

TravelSupermarket is an online comparison service where customers can find the best value travel options for their needs and purchase over the internet. The website compares flights, car hire, hotels, cruise, package holidays plus dynamic packaging by searching hundreds of travel websites. The information supplied is unbiased and is designed to save the customer time and money.

The site thrives on offering its users accurate real time availability by taking information directly from suppliers such as Opodo, British Airways, Thomas Cook, First Choice, Radisson, Sol Melia, easyCar, Auto-Europe and many more, ensuring users are presented the best possible price at all times. It searches:

• Over 650 scheduled, low cost and charter airlines from 39 individual suppliers
• Over 350,000 individual hotels from over 42 individual hotel suppliers
• Over 200 individual car hire providers from over 21 suppliers
• 1,000s of individual package holidays from over 34 suppliers

Additionally, TravelSupermarket also compares prices on travel insurance and on airport car parking.

TravelSupermarket is part of the Moneysupermarket.com Group PLC.

http://www.moneysupermarket.com is a website where consumers can compare personal finance products, save money and apply online. The website has several service areas including personal loans, credit cards, mortgages, current accounts, savings accounts, motor insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, health insurance, mobile phones, broadband and shopping.

Contact: Emma Morris, TravelSupermarket, emma.morris@travelsupermarket.com, +44(0)1244-220-671

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