THE FACTS ABOUT BRISTOL AIRPORT

England

Big airports are no place to be during the congested, summer-holiday peak. Fortunately, regional airports offer daily, direct flights to major long-haul destinations. This summer, Continental has launched a service to New York's Newark airport departing from Bristol International at 11.10am. It's not cheap: all scheduled transatlantic flights are expensive in August (prices drop sharply in September). But Bristol's car-park charges (from only £27 for four days) and the sprint through immigration, baggage claim and customs (record times are under the 10-minute mark) make it the most civilised option. CONTACT Bristol International (0870 121 2747; www.bristolairport.co.uk). Continental Airlines (0845 60 767 60; www.continental.com/uk).