Its seeme to be that after a period in which spring sunshine breaks in the Canaries or even Florida became increasingly common, this year's Easter holiday season, which begins today, has taken on a decidedly retro flavour!

A combination of financial worries, a weak pound and a general, longer-term trend towards domestic breaks, will see millions eschew foreign destinations in favour of relaxation closer to home.

While many will still jet set across Europe and the US, around 10m cars are taking to the roads while the rail network will handle 1 million more passengers than this time last year. Bookings to classic British holiday destinations such as Blackpool, Windermere and Scarborough have doubled from 2008, according to rail operators, while many camping and caravan sites are already booked out. Bournemouth, meanwhile, has seen a sudden upsurge in inquiries about beach huts.