Anyone flying easyJet has a new choice when it comes to luggage, instead of cramming everything into hand baggage or lugging around a huge suitcase.

The low-cost airline has introduced a new 15kg hold bag, with prices starting from £8.99, while a standard bag allowance has risen from 20 to 23kg.

The changes have been brought in after easyJet found almost half of hold bags contained 15kg or less despite the bigger allowance. Passengers can also continue to pool their weight allowance if travelling with family and friends. The options are available online on new bookings. 

Make the weekend count

With shorter trips becoming ever more popular, group tour operator Explore has launched several new three and four-night options, designed to appeal to those looking for a long weekend getaway.

The four-night Iceland Highlights includes a tour of the country’s longest lava cave, as well as a boat trip off the west coast plus the traditional Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon highlights.

Or a three-night break searching for bears in Slovakia allows travellers access into areas of a national park which are normally off-limits to tourists, with an expert ranger on hand.

The list also includes a break in Belarus, for which UK travellers no longer need a visa, and a long weekend break with two days exploring the eerie remains of Chernobyl as well as Kiev.

Family goes luxury

Families are increasingly looking for more luxurious places to stay, even on short-haul packages, according to Olympic Holidays.

The company, which is launching its Gold Collection with breaks including lounge access, dedicated concierge and private airport transfers, has also found demand for its four-star accommodation is up by almost a quarter year-on-year. 

Traditionally known for its breaks in Greece and Cyprus, Olympic Holidays will also be adding Cape Verde, Madeira and La Palma in the Canary Islands to its summer 2018 destinations, offering trips to a total of 50 islands from 27 UK airports.