Travelmatch Advises British Travellers to Stay Positive as Ash Cloud Fades

LONDON, May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Travelmatch is advising travellers to stay positive as it appears that an ash cloud will not disrupt flights this weekend; the company is still recommending that British tourists monitor various online sources to stay on top of this developing situation.

Online travel provider Travelmatch is advising tourists to track the situation carefully as a second ash cloud returns to Europe. The eruption of the Grimsvotn volcano in Iceland has created an ash cloud which caused significant disruption to flight schedules in the United Kingdom and Germany this week. Travelmatch is encouraging travellers to stay optimistic as it appears the cloud will clear and allow flights to go forward during the coming bank holiday weekend. This is excellent news as many British tourists have trips planned to hotels like the Blue Lagoon Village in Kefalos (http://www.travelmatch.co.uk/holidays/detail/blue-lagoon-village-kefalos.html) in the next few days.

This event has triggered concern thanks to memories of last year's eruption in Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland which caused widespread disruption. Thankfully, forecasts indicate that further flight cancellations are unlikely. Though the outlook is bright at the present moment, Travelmatch (http://www.travelmatch.co.uk/) is encouraging tourists to monitor various resources in order to stay up to date.

For up to the minute advice travellers should visit the websites of the Met Office (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/) and BBC News, where updates will be posted regularly. It is also advisable to check the status of flights before leaving for the airport - this information can be found at airline websites, or by calling the relevant customer service lines. The UK Civil Aviation Authority is also providing regular updates on the evolving situation.

Alex Francis of Travelmatch comments: "Many of our customers are worried as they have trips booked to hotels such as Sensatori Sharm el Sheikh (http://www.travelmatch.co.uk/holidays/detail/sensatori-sharm-el-sheikh-sharm-el-sheikh.html) in Egypt. Thankfully, it seems likely that flights will continue to run over the weekend. That said, it is always best to be forewarned and we strongly recommend that anyone with travel plans visit news websites and the Met Office to ensure that they stay on top of this situation as it develops."

About Travelmatch:

Travelmatch is a new travel discovery engine that helps inspire customers by matching their requirements to a wide range of holidays, hotels, flights, cruises, villas or city breaks. Unlike other travel sites, customers are not required to choose a destination, date or budget before they can begin searching. Customers are able to make informed decisions by exploring photos, user reviews, maps, events and activities and other fun things relevant to their chosen travel product. http://www.travelmatch.co.uk/, which closed its first funding round in 2010, is based in Notting Hill, London.