David Hayeems, general manager of Trailfinders, said his company had been inundated with customers eager to splash out, with some spending their entire SSIA on one holiday. ?We have absolutely noticed the increase [in business]. From last December, we were seeing quite a few bookings where people were concerned about when the final payment date of holiday was, which would tie in with when they'd be getting their SSIA money.

They're all quite high-value bookings."

South Africa has become very popular, with cashhappy customers opting for high-end trips. ?People are booking premium seats or business class on flights and then staying in four- and five-star hotels in Cape Town, getting a car and doing the Garden Route and then staying in a safari lodge at the end of it, " Hayeems said.

Also popular are exotic cruises, namely the Vancouver to Alaska route and also a cruise from the southern tip of Argentina to the Antarctic, which costs from 6,000 to 8,000 a head. Hayeems believes that around 20% of the holidays that Trailfinders is booking can be attributed to the SSIAs.

?We're seeing people with the attitude that they really want to treat themselves. . . the situation in Ireland is not mirroring our UK travel centres. We're outperforming them, so some of that has to be down to the SSIAs. And there have been the classic examples of people literally saying 'I'm here to spend my SSIA'."

A spokeswoman for Shandon Travel in Cork said that, on average, customers were spending 10,000 for two weeks away. ?People are choosing a lot more exotic destinations for honeymoons. They're splashing out quite a bit and they all seem to be highbracket holidays, " she said. A popular choice is a three-in-one holiday incorporating Dubai, Mauritius and South Africa: You go to South Africa first, maybe for a safari, then to Mauritius for the beach and then to Dubai on the way back for shopping. I've booked around three of those lately. . . depending on how well you want to do it, it costs 7,000 to 10,000."

Shandon Travel is also receiving multiple enquiries for the next round of SSIAs maturing in 2007. ?It's peculiar to get so many of those enquiries, but it's obviously linked into the SSIAs again."

At the Escape 2 travel agency in Donabate, Dublin, which specialises in honeymoons, business has increased by around 15%. We've experienced a huge increase in business in January to March, " said a spokesman. ?People have mentioned they're upgrading their honeymoon and regular punters are coming in and splashing out on a holiday. SSIAs have made a huge difference."

One of the most popular trips being booked is a double trip to Dubai and the Maldives. ?People would be doing the beach resort for 10 days and then the city shopping for three nights. It's taken off big time since Aer Lingus launched its direct service."

Customers are also upgrading flights to business class and accommodation to five-star hotels. ?One couple went for a de luxe water villa in the Maldives for 19 nights at 12,500 each plus business flights as well. . . people are treating themselves, but I suppose that's why people invested in the first place, to bear the fruits when this comes around."