The number of cars also showed a slight increase, with 2.078 million ferry journeys in 2009, a rise of 0.7 per cent. The news is supported by the latest UK Tourism Survey, from the Office for National Statistics, which shows that trips taken by UK residents in England between June and August increased by 22% compared with last year, with the amount spent by travellers up 20%.

UK holidays are expected to be popular again this year and holidaymakers can still get the feeling of going abroad by taking a ferry trip to some wonderful corners of Britain and Northern Ireland. For example, 88,000 visited the Isle of Wight as their main holiday (up 16% on 2008) and 137,000 visited as an additional holiday. Domestic day trips to the Isle of Wight increased significantly over peak season 2009 - up 11% to just under a quarter of a million.

Ferry operator Red Funnel has tickets to all the top events on the Isle of Wight as soon as they are released and can act as a one stop shop to book ferry crossings, accommodation and discounted tickets to attractions. For further information and tickets call Red Funnel on 0844 844 9988 or visit www.redfunnel.co.uk

The south coast of the Isle of Wight continues to develop as one of the in vogue places for a weekend away - particularly Ventnor, where the Michelin-starred Hambrough has spruced itself up with a rooms make-over and, brand new for 2010, a self-catering Hambrough house party option - available as one of Wightlink's Food Breaks. A Wightlink Food Break at the new self-catering Hambrough House Party accommodation starts from £2,220 for a one-week - or £222 per person (based on 10 sharing and travelling in two cars), including return Wightlink car ferry crossings from Portsmouth or Lymington.  Prices for breakfast hampers and personal chefs are available on request. For more details or to book contact Wightlink on 0871 376 0013 www.wightlink.co.uk      

For information on routes, destinations and special offers visit www.sailanddrive.com, a one stop shop for ferry information.  The website is easy to navigate and gives advice for all types of travellers including those choosing a holiday closer to home.