The number of UK holidaymakers planning to travel closer to home this year may increase.

According to managing director Graham McKenzie, of TravelMole, the number of people travelling by ferry is more likely to soar as more families struggle as an affect of the downturn of the UK economy.

Mr McKenzie said: "If we believe everything we hear in terms of the credit crunch then I think people will start to look carefully at where they go in terms of long haul.

I think they will certainly look carefully at the [long distance] destinations like the Australasia region and the Far East."

Meanwhile, figures from travel agent, On the Beach has revealed that other holidaymakers who decide to travel elsewhere prefer “all inclusive” holidays as a bid to save money during the economical crisis.

Chief executive Simon Cooper of On the Beach, said: "Clearly holidaymakers are now taking into account the overall cost of their holidays.

While there will still be many great deals available for summer 2009, consumers are taking positive steps to bring the overall cost down by choosing all-inclusive holidays."

 Regardless if the destination is close to home or far away, holidaymakers are being advised to ensure they still have adequate travel insurance in the case of an accident.