Kent-based Saga Travel celebrated its diamond anniversary last week.

Back in 1951, the company was created to offer affordable off-peak package holidays to Folkestone costing £6.50 and included full board, return travel and day trips to France.

Now Saga Travel offers holidays throughout the year to destinations all over the world, from Borneo and Bhutan to St Lucia and South frica, via Morocco and Madagascar.

Travel Communications manager Carl Catterall said the company `maintains the same ethos' asin 1951.

He said: "We have a commitment to quality and dependability - we do
not cut corners - and our 60 years' experience has given us a 97% excellent or good customer rating.

"Plus, if you book early, our Fares Fair price promise mean you will not lose out if the cost of your holiday is reduced later on."

The Big 50 is the age for joining the Saga ranks and this year Jim Carey, Jon Bon Jovi, Tom Cruise, Tom Ford,
Demi Moore and Eddie Izzard become eligible to travel.

If you feel like being treated like a star here are Saga's top five holiday suggestions:

St Lucia – Bel Jou: Offering views the Caribbean, the Bel Jou offers levels of service and quality that Saga customers have come to expect, rating their overall holiday experience
at 98 per cent.

South Africa – World in One Country: One of the best safari destinations with the chance of seeing the 'big five' along with a visit to the mountain kingdom of Swaziland as well as a three-night stay in Cape Town.

Thailand – Kamala Beach Resort: New for 2012, this stylish hotel offers outstanding value and a fantastic location on the west coast of Phuket. A relaxing holiday with the chance to explore the friendly
island.

Spain - Parador De Salamanca: Salamanca is Spain’s oldest university city and a jewel in the Spanish Crown. The Parador is set on a hillside amid pleasant, peaceful gardens with stunning views across the Tormes River to the historic city centre, which is easy to get to and explore.

Croatia – Coastal Cruising: The coast of Croatia has beautiful islands and historic cities to explore, and all with a good year round climate. In addition to the popular Dalmatian Island Explorer and Adriatic Coastal Explorer, 2012 seesthe introduction of the new Croatian Island Explorer, which includes the four fascinating islands of Krk, Rab, Losinj and Cres.

Visit www.sagaholidays.co.uk for full details, prices and availability or
Tel: 0800 414 383.