Roger Munns

East Midlands airport's recent reports confirm that the rush for winter holidays and booking summer holidays early isn't confined to one area of the UK, and East Midlanders are flying south to get some winter sunshine!

Mallorca is a well known holiday destination for traditional beach and sun vacations. But Mallorca's countryside is beginning to see economic benefits from tourism as more people head inland to appreciate the island's nature and traditions.

Spain enjoys the position of being the number one holiday destination in Europe. But a Spanish airline has just begun flights to Malta, boosting the small Mediterranean's tourism industry for 2008.

As winter closes in it's not just the birds flying south - Scots are taking winter holidays and escaping to the sun in record numbers.

The UK's Tory Party is producing policy statements to help them win the next Geneal Election. Their plan to reform taxation and abolish inheritance tax could affect the European tax havens of Monaco, Andorra and Gibraltar.

The travel industry has got off to a flying start for 2008, with some on-line travel companies reporting a near 20 per cent rise compared to 2007.

Predictions for 2008 include that holiday prices will rise steeply, and the travel companies say higher priced oil and aviation fuel is to blame. Travel analysts say it's because holiday companies have merged and putting less holidays up for sale compared to recent years.

Regional airports in the UK continue to rise in popularity in the UK, and with regular problems at London's Heathrow the trend is likely to continue.

Spain and her islands are as popular as ever with tourists for summer holidays - but increasingly so for the winter months too.

Holiday islands vulnerable to climate change are taking action to protect the enviroment tourists visit for, and the Spanish Island of Tenerife is taking a lead.

Barcelona is a fun city and great for a weekend or mid week break, but there are things to watch out for. Read on for tips for enjoying this travel hot spot.

Travelodge in the UK has operated a successful business model, and is now expanding to Spain.

The Museum of Art in Mallorca has loaned New York's Queen Sofia's Spanish Institute 21 works. The exhibition runs through to February 2.

Of all the US ski resorts, Aspen in Colorado is the best. Be prepared to share the slopes with celebrities!

With a summer of flooding behind them, and a British winter to look forward to, record numbers of people from the UK's Midlands are taking a winter sunshine holiday.