We're all going on a summer holiday, but now, as JO HAYWOOD discovers, when we say "all" we mean "all".

IT USED to be said that when we Brits went on holiday, we packed everything but the kitchen sink. Now, however, we are ditching our kettles, teabags, hairdryers and irons and taking grandma instead.

According to a new report by long-haul travel firm Kuoni, families and friends are now travelling in larger groups, possibly as a consequence of the 9/11 attacks in America and the subsequent threats around the world.

"Parents who might have left children behind in the past are now keen that everybody travels together," said managing director Sue Biggs, who also pointed out that families were now travelling further afield as well as in extended groups.

Kuoni predicts that the holiday hot spots for 2004 will include the Far East, Egypt and Dubai. But Elaine Overton, who works for Instant Holidays organising foreign jaunts from her home in sunny Acomb, York, disagrees, plumping for Greece and Cyprus instead.

"Since the New York attacks, I've found that people want to stay closer to home," she said. "They feel safer in the Med because they know they can get home quickly in an emergency.

"There are always those who want to live for today and let tomorrow look after itself, but generally, while people are still travelling, they are not travelling far."

Elaine did confirm, however, that larger family groups are a noticeable new trend: "It's not just mum and dad and the kids anymore. Grandma, grandad, uncles, aunties and all the cousins are now tagging along too."

The key to planning a holiday for a large party is to book well in advance to ensure you all fly together and stay in the same hotel. It can also prove to be a money-saving option as group discounts and free child places are often available to parties of more than 12.

"You need someone who has the time and the patience to take the holiday on as a project," said Elaine, who is currently organising a holiday for 19 in Benidorm. "I tend to find it's the matriarch of the family that gets everyone organised.

"You've got to remember that you're not just booking 20 places in a hotel, but also 20 seats on a single flight. So, get your brochures at least a year in advance. And, obvious as it might seem, make sure everyone can book the same two weeks off work. You'd be surprised how many people come to book a holiday only to find their dates don't marry up."

And talking of marriage: another trend for 2004 is that of celebration holidays, which involve large parties travelling abroad for weddings or anniversaries.

"Celebrations abroad are now accessible and affordable, and, let's face it, they are more memorable than a buffet in the local village hall," said Elaine.

"Marrying abroad is particularly popular with young couples because they want to be different. They also tend to want to keep the wedding party small, so Auntie Nellie whom they haven't seen for 20 years shouldn't bother getting her hat out of the box."

If you are going abroad for a special event, book early to ensure you get the date you want. Also remember to mention the celebration to your travel agent as they might be able to secure you a flight and room upgrade or, at the very least, a few little perks like free chocolates, flowers and the odd bottle of bubbly.

As Elaine colourfully puts it: "Shy bairns get nowt".

Elaine Overton can be contacted by phone on 01904 792885, by email at elaine.overton@tarsc.net or on the web at www.hopawayholidays.co.uk. For Kuoni's 24-hour brochure hotline, phone 0870 990 9905 or click on to www.kuoni.co.uk

Updated: 09:32 Thursday, February 05, 2004