The start of the new year is traditionally when people think about planning their summer holiday. Rory Fitzpatrick meets Mr Cunningham of Thomas Cook, who suggests that the island of Elba might be popular this year. He also suggests the Algrave in Portugal as an alternative to the usual southern Spain. The northern counties such as Norway are also popular. 

Package holidays abroad emerged after WWII although Thomas Cook had begun to offer excursions in the 1860s. The advances in air travel allowed companies to offer flights at cheaper prices, making a summer holiday available to more working class people. 

An Ulster Television Production.

• Broadcasting Authority Ireland