Since the onset of the current economic climate, it has been no secret that airlines have been struggling and so cheap holidays have been promoted as much as possible in an effort to win holidaymakers business.

However, thanks to a shock announcement from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) it seems that the figures could be worse than at first thought.

There are fewer business trips being taken and although holidaymakers in Britain are still taking holidays, they are more likely to be last minute holidays or cheap holidays booked well in advance. Many holidays are being taken closer to home in destinations such as Paris, the Costa Brava or the Costa del Sol where direct holidays can be taken rather than long haul places such as Thailand.

To help resolve the issues, the IATA has requested that the government remove the limitations currently imposed on some of the flight routes to allow collaboration between different airlines.

So, the good news from this for British holidaymakers is that flights and accommodation packages may well be cheaper than otherwise possible, so despite the credit crunch cheap holidays might well be worth a second look now.

The Costa Brava is a popular holiday destination for families and young adults with its huge variety of entertainment in the larger towns coupled with a beautiful coastline and stunning landscapes. This is a religious Spanish location and as such there are many religious festivals held during the year, not least the large number coming up over the next few weeks.

For those who enjoy the traditional cultures and celebrations this place has to offer, then here are a few key activities that take part in Costa Brava over Easter.

Maundy Thursday
The procession has two parts; the first is to celebrate the ‘Passion of Christ’ with archaic verses. The second celebration and parading is a large procession through the town’s streets with some crazy elements including five skeletons who interpret the ‘Dance of Death’.

Good Friday
A procession called ‘Girona’ leaves from the local Cathedral and walk through the winding streets of the city’s old quarter area, preceded by manaies who reproduce the imperial times of the Roman military. The finale is the Creed which is sung to the town on the steps of the Cathedral.

Easter Monday and the Dance of the Cuckold
A special Spanish traditional dance with the Cuckold being the main character who remains central while six couples sing and dance around him; he wears two twisted horns entering the proceedings on a large cart decorated with branches. There are food and drink celebrations with a general air of festivity in the city.