Site statistics also reveal enquiries for Rome are up 18% compared to 2005 and the city has attracted treble the site average number of enquiries per property per month so far this year.

According to the survey, the top 5 destinations for a city break are Rome, Barcelona, Paris, Prague and Lisbon.

According to the survey, for those planning a city break in the remainder of this year, September is the second most popular month, with 27% planning their trip then and 39% in October. Three nights is the preferred duration and £60 per person per night (pppn) the average budget for accommodation. Travelling for the most part with their partners, they will be looking for nicely furnished, one bedroom accommodation, preferably with food preparation and entertainment facilities.

Overall, nearly 70% of respondents ranked food preparation facilities very or quite important, indicating that even on short breaks people like to be able to cater for themselves, be it to save money or experiment with local produce. Renting your own apartment enables you to do just this, as well as providing more space, comfort and privacy for your money.

The survey also revealed that:

The majority of people had taken at least one city break in the last 12 months and over a quarter had taken two.
April and May were the most popular months for city breaks in the first half of the year and October in the second.

City breaks are most commonly taken with partners, but most 40-49 year olds travel with family and a significant number of 18-29 year olds, with friends
Overall, 53% of respondents will be travelling with their partners, while 33% will go with family, 11% with friends and 3% alone. However, most 40-49 year olds will travel with family and a higher than average number of 18-29 year olds plan to go with friends.

43% will fly between two to four hours to their destination, but a quarter would be willing to travel for over six hours
Nearly 80% of respondents said their preferred method of transport would be flying and the largest proportion, 43%, would travel between two to four hours to reach their destination. However, 21% were willing to travel up to six hours and 26% said they would be willing to travel for over six.

The majority of people have a budget of under £60 pppn for accommodation
Just under 30% of respondents have a budget of £21 to £40 pppn for accommodation, a quarter have a budget £41 to £60 and just over a fifth, a budget of £61 to £80. Only 10% had a budget of £81 to £100 pppn.