Travelodge has researched 3,300 people and produced a list of the top ten British destinations of choice for people choosing to holiday at home:

1. Cornwall

2. Lake District

3. Yorkshire Dales

4.Scottish Highlands & Islands

5. Edinburgh

6. London

7. Isle of Wight

8. Devon

9. Norfolk Broads

10. South Wales

I have to say, we were a little disappointed to see Wales fall to the bottom of the list, we may be biased, but South Wales has some of the most beautiful beaches and countryside in the UK. That said, there was tough competition from the likes of Devon, Cornwall and the Lake District – all of which are stunning.

Wherever you choose to holiday this year, please remember to check with your agent or hotelier that your accommodation has been thoroughly checked for hygiene and safety. For most, this will be their one break of the year and by simply asking the question they can enjoy it with peace of mind.

We mentioned a couple of weeks ago how Pontin’s and Butlins had seen an increase in bookings, but it seems that they are not the only ones benefiting during the recession. It has been reported by TravelMole that there has been a 54 per cent increase in self-catering holiday bookings for 2009.

The great thing about self-catering is that, apart from saving money, you can share the cooking and holidaymakers get a true home-from-home experience. That said, there is nothing worse than contracting food poisoning when you are away from home.

Even if you are cooking for yourself, it is important to follow these simple common sense steps to minimise the risk of your self-catering getaway turning into a self-poisoning disaster:

• Make sure the kitchen has been thoroughly cleaned. If necessary spend a couple of hours on the first day doing a spring clean of the cooking area.
• Always store raw meats at the bottom of the fridge so that the juices cannot drip onto other fresh food.
• Make sure it is hot right the way through before serving. Undercooked food can be extremely dangerous, causing diarrhoea and sickness.
• Food should be served immediately after it has been cooked. Food that has been kept warm can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and can lead to infections such as the Norovirus, resulting in stomach cramps and aching limbs.
• Eggs are a key ingredient to a popular holiday treat, the full English breakfast, but can be particularly hazardous if cooked incorrectly. Undercooked eggs are likely to cause salmonella, which can lead to constipation and a fever.
• If you are unlucky enough to contract food poisoning, stay away from alcoholic beverages, drink lots of water, as it is important not to get dehydrated and if necessary seek medical attention.