FAMILIES are rushing to book their place in the sun as an antidote to the post-Christmas blues.

With the cold weather predicted, sights are being set on the summer hotspots.

Mediterranean resorts are again among the most popular - along with Egypt, despite last year's terrorist attack at Sharm el Sheik.

Kim Marsden, general manager of First Choice Holiday Hypermarket at Middlebrook Retail Park, said: "Among the top destinations is Egypt, especially Sharm el Sheik.

"The accommodation is of superb quality, the weather is usually good and it is great value for money.

"We opened on the Bank Holiday Monday and had a bumper day, with sales well up on the same time last year.

"This is likely to be down to families wanting to escape from the cold weather and booking early."

A spokesman from Thomas Cook in Bolton said: "Sharm el Sheik is a popular choice because the area is a beautiful place to visit.

"People are attracted to the amazing sights of Egypt and holidaymakers can visit Cairo as well."

The islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza are again proving popular destinations.

A spokesman from Going Places in Bolton said: "The Balearic Islands have proved very popular this year with all age ranges. The two-hour flight makes it a favourite choice for families with young children.

"Alcudia in Majorca is proving to be particularly popular. There is so much to do when you get there.

"Magaluf has also been very popular with the 18-30 age range, followed closely by Crete, because of the huge numbers of nightclubs, cheap alcohol and the party atmosphere."

Paul Sutton, sales director of Flightdeck in Mawdsley Street, Bolton, said: "The price wars between the airlines mean you can go to far flung places like Australia and New Zealand for well under £600.

"Dubai and Egypt are very popular, particularly Sharm el Sheik because you can get direct flights from Manchester. It only takes four hours to get there and you are virtually guaranteed sunshine."

Stephen Jones, manager of Co-op Travel in Corporation Street, Bolton, said: "Sharm el Sheik is increasing in popularity year on year because it's such good value for money.

"Goa is another popular winter sun destination and we've taken a lot of bookings for Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises."