SUMMER HOLIDAY FAVOURITES

We've all got our own idea of what makes a great summer holiday, and thanks to the vast range of summer escapes now available through today's package holiday market, it's now easier than ever to enjoy a sun-drenched week or two without breaking the bank. So, which locations score the highest with today's summer sun-seekers?

The Spanish mainland is the stalwart of summer holidays and continues to draw happy holidaymakers back to its sunny shores year after year. Much of the action takes place in the Costas, particularly the bubbly, family-friendly regions of Costa Dorada, Costa Brava and the effervescent Costa Blanca. Here, the resort of Benidorm looms large and lively on the Spanish coast, overlooking sparkling golden sands and serving up a dose of Vegas-style nightlife with lashings of cheesy fun and bubbly entertainment.

The Spanish islands are another great hit - particularly the lovely Balearic Islands - which offer diversity and island living by the bucketload across the ever-popular destinations of Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca.

Away from Spain, the Greek islands continue to draw the crowds to its sun-baked beaches and stunning archaeological sites. Dance 'til dawn in the non-stop resorts of Faliraki in Rhodes and Kavos in Corfu, entertain the kids in Crete's cheerful Thassos or Zante's beautiful, laid-back Argassi, or kick back and relax in the low-key resorts of sleepy Samos.

There's a whole world of choice at your fingertips, and that's even before we've mentioned the golden sands of the Algarve, Malta's bubbly beaches or the fantastic east-meets-west appeal of Turkey...

Whether you're after a summer scorcher or a winter warmer, you can browse and book holidays online through Direct Holidays, part of the Thomas Cook Group, and enjoy huge savings as well as the chance to stay in some of the world's most beautiful and sought-after destinations. Which one will you choose?