Mildura travel agents said Pacific cruises and flights to the Gold Coast and Hamilton Island were the most popular Easter holiday destinations for families, while young globetrotters are making the most of the global downturn with cheaper than ever flights to the USA and Europe.

They said some people had started using stimulus package payments to book their holidays.

Simone Vance, manager at Mildura’s Flight Centre, said more people were travelling than in previous years.

“It’s the Gold Coast and cruises for families, and then for younger people it’s USA.

“Europe is always popular with everyone.

“Especially with Virgin Blue here, it’s a lot more accessible for everyone to fly and it’s easier to go on a quick holiday.”

Miss Vance said the Gold Coast had always been a popular school holiday destination.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Thursday’s Sunraysia Daily 09/04/2009.