One example is Beauvais near Paris, where cheap flights from the airport can cost as little as £10.00. Beauvais is a town brimming with culture, with many museums, sporting events and festive happenings, it's the perfect city break. And of course, it is easy to get to Paris and enjoy the highlights there too - one of the most famous city break destinations and a perfect treat for that someone special.

Other city break ideas include Irish holidays to locations such as Knock, located in County Mayo in southern Ireland, one of the most picturesque counties. With its breathtaking craggy coastline, interspersed with sandy beaches and charming villages, its charm will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. Or perhaps you might try the vibrant city of Belfast in Northern Ireland.

A great traditional winter idea to please all the family would be a trip to Lapland to see Father Christmas. East Midlands Airport actually has day trip to Lapland - which includes a guaranteed private family meeting with the great man himself. But it is also possible, of course, to enjoy a comforting stay in small, cosy, friendly family run hotels as well as participating in a range of arctic activities, such as reindeer, husky and snowmobile safaris.

But further afield, also flying from East Midlands, a fantastic winter sun idea would be a trip to The Gambia in West Africa. With the tour operator The Gambia Experience, you can escape the British winter for under £300 for a week.

Just 6 hours from the UK, The Gambia, known as the Smiling Coast will give you a warm welcome. The former British colony offers a tropical experience, friendly English speaking locals, exotic culture and almost unbroken sunshine from November right through to April The Gambia boasts temperatures of over 30 degrees C, plus stretches of uncrowded sandy beaches, a wide range of restaurants and a variety of accommodation, making it the perfect winter sun destination.

Or even further afield, it is possible to fly from East Midlands Airport to exotic Mexico, sizzling with sunshine and burning with Spanish party passion. With great weather, fabulous food and a vibrant nightlife, Mexico really can be seen as the ultimate holiday destination. There is much to explore in Mexico from the desert sands and Mayan ruins to the jungle and its two coastlines.

Thus East Midlands, along with other UK regional airports, are continuing to push hard to keep variety, value and choice alive at times when the economic challenges for holidaymakers and businesses are clear for all to see.