Holiday bookings for Easter have reached a record high for the first time in two years, according to new data.

Families are rushing to take advantage of relaxed travel restrictions while seeking to escape economic doom and gloom in the UK, according to travel insurance provider Staysure.

The firm reported a record March for policy sales with a 175% increase when compared to the same period pre-pandemic and up 16% on the previous month which saw a “staggering” 396% rise.

Its contact centre continued to report an upward trend with a 92% increase in travel insurance enquiries for the same period, and a further 268% rise in quotes being issued.

Consumers are clearly reluctant to sacrifice their holiday when looking to cut costs despite steep fuel prices, the highest inflation rate in 30 years and what is tipped by some experts as the worst cost-of-living crisis since the 1980s, the company claimed.

Mainland Spain remains the firm favourite destination for families, with the Canary islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura also showing popularity along with the US, UK domestic breaks, France, Portugal, Norway, Italy, Turkey and the Balearic islands.

Group chief executive Ryan Howsam said: “With all remaining Covid travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for unvaccinated arrivals now ending in the UK, consumers are ready to get back to travelling like they used to, and the increase in demand that we’re seeing clearly reflects that.”

“It shows that despite our customers having to tighten their purse strings, they are not willing to sacrifice their holidays any time soon.”

He added: “We are delighted to announce that a further 100 new positions have been filled to complement the 200 jobs we created last month to meet the demand we are continuing to see and one that I’m confident will continue as we head into our peak booking period.”