Summary:
Families are booking DIY holidays in Europe as the pound strengthens against the euro, according to a report.

Full article:
British holidaymakers are saving hundreds of pounds by avoiding traditional travel agents as the value of the euro falls. Booking a European trip direct with villa or apartment owners rather than from a brochure can a save a family of four up to £540, The Mail on Sunday found. The savings come because some tour operators' prices were fixed last summer. But since then the euro has fallen 13 per cent against the pound amid fears of a Greek exit from the single currency. Savings: Holidaying families are benefiting from a weakened euro and saving up to £540 by booking DIY holidays . Travel Supermarket’s Bob Atkinson said: ‘Britons can get exceptional savings on DIY holidays in Europe due to the strength of the pound versus the euro.’ Thomson and First Choice confirmed that short-term currency fluctuations have little effect on their package prices. But Noel Josephides, chairman of industry body Abta, warned DIY holidaymakers ‘often have to pay locally, and the exchange rate when they book may be different from when they travel’. Holidaymakers are also gambling on the strong pound by snapping up currency now, ahead of summer breaks. Demand for euros at Debenhams bureaux de change is almost double what it was this time last year. Holidaymakers are also gambling on the strong pound by snapping up currency now, ahead of summer breaks .