Prices plunge on cancelled holidays

A major holiday parks group has recruited extra staff to its "cancellations desk" which markets suddenly-available holidays at half price or less.

Park Holidays UK says the boom in staycations this year means a greater volume of people having to cancel due to a sudden change of plans.

The group's cancellations desk opens for just one hour every day between noon and 1pm and allows last-minute holidays to be re-sold at discounts of up to 70 per cent.

There are no catches, says the company, but starting dates are often a week or less away, and customers have to choose from what's available rather than specify preferences.

However, if they are prepared to be flexible, it says, the savings can be substantial– and families may stand to gain a holiday on a park otherwise shown as full up.

There is, apparently, no element of a "mystery buy" about the holidays; customers will know the exact specifications of each stay before they decide to buy. The group operates 24 parks in Devon and Southern England.

Telephone 0843 178 7090 between 12 noon and 1pm to find out what’s available. Those calling outside the opening window can request a ring back.

More information from www.ParkHolidays.com.