Female holiday makers are thinking more about their stomachs than their love lives this holiday season as an online survey reveals marmite to be among the most popular items to pack in the suitcase this Summer. Online travel experts, ebookers.com, has surveyed 1,000 of their online travellers nation-wide not only to reveal where people are travelling to this Summer, but also who they�re going with and more importantly what the essential items being packed in their suitcases are.

What: 32% of females considered that all essential bikini as the most important item to pack in her suitcase closely followed by contraceptives (28%), that necessary jar of marmite (23%), the latest raunchy blockbuster novel (9%) and high factor sun tan lotion (6%). On the flip side the male participants surveyed were least likely to forget their sunglasses and surprisingly 32% of males considered a picture of their partner (if travelling without them) to be high priority on the packing list.

Where: The beautiful island of Hawaii was voted the most desirable place to visit this year. Out of 1,000 participants surveyed, 22% of males and 24% of females believed Hawaii, famous for its golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, to be the ultimate Summer holiday destination where as none of the participants opted for Ibiza or Amsterdam as perfect getaways. Brazil and Italy were also highlighted as sought after holiday destinations, which incidentally were both voted as having the sexiest natives world-wide.

Other sought after holiday destinations this year include Australia with bookings up 130% on the same period last year. Known for being rich in natural beauty, regularly basked in sunshine and popular with tourists from all over the world, Australasia has seen the biggest rise in bookings in recent times. The last three years has seen a 5.4% increase in bookings, with a massive 3% of these occurring between 2002 & 2003 � proving this to be a top holiday hot spot. Bookings to the Caribbean have remained stable as it continues to be a popular Summer holiday destination for all.

When surveyed 27% of on-line travellers preferred to go on a city break when travelling with friends, where as when travelling with a partner or family, a hot beach holiday was the number one choice. Rural retreat holidays were the least popular choice amongst a group of friends and a Spa and Health break was revealed as the least popular holiday to have with the family or a partner but more preferable amongst a group of friends.

Who: Who to go on holiday with is often a difficult decision, especially when you�re young and unmarried. An astonishing 67% of those surveyed would prefer to go on holiday with their partner compared to 27% who would prefer to holiday with friends. Only a minute percentage (4%) ideal holiday would be with their parents, and the idea of holidaying with work colleagues was virtually non-existent.

Says Ian Carter, Managing Director ebookers.com, �With Hawaii, Brazil & Italy being the top selling destinations so far this year and Australia and City break interest remaining strong, we are now aware of where people want to spend their summer holidays this year. The results of the survey allow us to keep up to date with the current trends and therefore ensure that we have the best available product for the most popular destinations at all times�

ebookers.com are available 24-7 and for further enquiries about flights and packages log onto www.ebookers.com or telephone 0870 043 3957.

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For further information please contact Sophie Cork at The SPA Way on 020 7928 2626 or email sophie.cork@thespaway.com