According to the Met Office*, 25% of the UK population now suffer with hay fever so to mark the start of Allergy Awareness Week on 20 April 2015, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has put together a guide comparing the pollen levels in the top holiday spots across Europe. The research can be found in the Know Before You Go section of the APH website at www.aph.com/pollenlevels, ensuring hay fever sufferers can plan their summer break without fear of spending the holiday soothing itching eyes or reaching for the tissues.

The research compares 21 cities and destinations across Europe including Austria, France, Spain and Italy, highlighting their peak grass pollen levels throughout spring and summer. There are three different types of pollen including tree, grass and weed and its grass pollen that is responsible for 95% of hay fever sufferers' symptoms so holidaymakers should plan carefully if they want to avoid pollen as the seasons vary across Europe.

Hay fever sufferers should be more cautious about travelling in June as according to the research, this is the month that will see grass pollen levels peak in 13 of the 21 destinations including Tenerife, Lisbon and Dorset. Cities and regions such as Prague, Dublin, Tenerife, London and Dorset reported peak pollen levels stretching for at least two months between May and July; however Venice and Lisbon also reported peak pollen levels running for the full three months of May, June and July.

Meanwhile, during August and September none of the destinations surveyed reflected peak grass pollen levels suggesting this may be a more suitable time to travel in Europe for hay fever sufferers. The Danube Valley in Austria, Ankara, London and Dorset however all noted grass pollen levels still present in September.

Pollen levels are at their lowest in rural areas and coastal areas thanks to the sea breeze so for those holidaymakers staying closer to home, the UK also represents a varied pollen forecast depending on regions. The grass pollen count remains low in the UK until late spring when it peaks until the end of July and hay fever sufferers are likely to find significantly lower pollen levels in West Wales, Scotland and Ireland compared to England.

For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH),

Visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859515.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

* Research from The Met Office, 2012: www.metoffice.gov.uk/health/public/pollenforecast#?tab=map&map=Pollen&fcTime=1429009200&zoom=5&lon=-4.00&lat=55.58

About Airport Parking and Hotels (APH)

Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is the UK's award winning long stay airport parking operator and booking agency, after winning the Best Airport Parking Company for a fifth year running at British Travel Awards 2014. This year APH also celebrates its 34th year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels packaged with parking and airport lounges. APH is also a carbon balanced company and has, through support of the World Land Trust, helped purchase more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest.

Media Enquiries

Sarah Salord / Lauren Hill / McCluskey International / 020 8747 2170 / aph@mccluskey.co.uk