People are taking their first tentative steps back into the holiday market.

Travel agents around Essex are reporting a welcome upsurge in trade since the events of September 11 shattered their livelihoods.

The terrorist attacks on America brought the travel industry to a grinding halt, with people too scared to venture abroad, particularly the United States.

Now, more than three months later, business is starting to return to normal.

But travellers are still avoiding America, according to one Chelmsford travel agent, and choosing European breaks, instead.

Where are we heading? Paris, Disneyland, Italy and Spain.

Nicky Hind, of Travelcare, said: "Things have picked up a lot in the last two weeks, but the long-haul market has really dropped.

"People are going to alternative destinations, with UK holidays and city breaks in Europe proving really popular."

And tourists also seem eager to escape the winter blues by heading abroad over Christmas and the New Year.

This means winter breaks have been snapped up, leaving next to nothing for last-minute bookings.

"There is hardly anything about at the moment," said Mrs Hind. "We have had so many inquiries about Christmas breaks."

Thomas Cook in Maldon has actually experienced a busier November than normal.

"It was very quiet in September, but last month was busier than normal," said manager Allison Faux.

"People are booking to go away over Christmas and, hopefully, it should be really busy in January."

Things are also looking up at Fred Olsen Travel in Colchester.

In fact, manager Caroline Linton said business was "booming".

Although the company lost money in September, the current climate was going some way to redressing the balance.

"Obviously, we lost money straight after September 11, but things are getting a lot better. This is always our quietest time of year, but the last couple of weeks have been busy."

Mrs Hind at Travelcare said: "We are doing well at the moment, but it is too early to tell how things will go next year and whether we have been affected long term.

"We will just have to keep our fingers crossed."

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001