Research on holidays - flawed as it neglects to mention the security travel agents bring....

Santander research has found that of the 25m adults who went on holiday abroad in 2009, 11.6m (47%) saved money when booking their travel and accommodation by avoiding travel agents and tour operators, instead going online or calling directly to make their booking. The most popular money saving method was to book online (44%). A third of holidaymakers reduced costs by contacting hotels and accommodation venues directly, while 17% cent made the most of friends living abroad by staying with them.