NORTHERN Ireland travellers are being more discerning when it comes to making their holiday plans, according to local travel agents, but they are still determined to get that summer break in the sun.

The credit crunch, fuel surcharges and the strength of sterling are the main reasons affecting people's decisions.

And although travellers are still planning to take holidays - they are deliberating more over their final choice.

Shirley Beggs, Manager at McNeill Worldwide on Belfast's Lisburn Road, said: "The credit crunch has affected Northern Ireland quicker than the Mainland.

"People here are more careful and canny, double checking what they're getting for their money. They're telling us that the credit crunch is affecting them, they're being honest, and are concerned not so much for now, but how it will affect them in the winter when fuel and electricity costs escalate."

Local travellers are still booking their continental holiday however, with Italy now becoming a popular destination out of Belfast.

Added Shirley: "For us July is generally a quiet month for bookings as people have already booked their summer holiday, but because we had a good spring some are holding off and booking something for September or October."

The bad weather in Northern Ireland last summer has had a positive impact on tour operators, especially with early bookings, and local travellers still feel entitled to a holiday, even if it means cutting back on other things.

Sandra Corkin, Managing Director of Oasis Travel, Lisburn, said: "We haven't noticed much change in bookings this July, and because of the bad summer last year people booked early, so the early booking season was very good.

"We don't see any evidence of any cancellations possibly because the credit crunch hasn't really kicked in yet, and probably won't see evidence of how it has affected customers until much later.

"A holiday is still high on people's priorities and once they make up their mind they're going on holiday, they get the money from somewhere.

"Flying out of Dublin is still quite popular because of the range of destinations, so many people are still choosing Dublin over London, but those who used to pick Dublin because of better value, are now flying out of Belfast."

Brendan O'Connor, from Rosetta Travel summed up the current holiday situation.

"We've never been as busy especially in the last couple of weeks with honeymoons, cruises, and luxury holidays.

"Even with the so-called credit crunch people feel they still need a holiday, and put money away for it." said Christine Donnelly of leading tour operator Falcon Holidays.

She added: "Despite a gloomy economic outlook, the family summer holiday remains an essential part of our busy lifestyles with families wanting to spend quality time together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at home.

"There are a lot of recent reports showing that people in times of economic slowdown will make cutbacks in areas such as eating out, fashion and home improvements, but do not want to cut out their summer holiday and families want to make sure that they get the best value for money."