Spain will 'remain a popular holiday destination' despite poor exchange rate

Brits will continue booking flights to Spanish cities and holiday resorts despite the unfavourable exchange rate, according to a leading travel expert.

According to Simon Calder, the Independent's travel editor, Spain still represents a value-for-money holiday destination "whether you are in the Balearic Islands or the Costas".

"Spain is going to retain its position as our absolute favourite country; just because the pound has been down in relation to the euro, doesn't mean we are going to turn our back to it," he said.

Data from Skyscanner appears to back up Mr Calder's prediction, with Malaga, Alicante and Tenerife all appearing in the Top 10 most searched-for destinations of 2009 in terms of where people are planning to book their 2009 summer break.

A survey by Aldi Travel published this month showed that 82 percent of people believed that holidays were "crucial" for their wellbeing.

A further 60 percent said that value-for-money was the "most important factor" when booking a holiday abroad - something that could cause more people to book their holiday flights through cheap flights carriers.