Eurostar, the high-speed passenger service between the U.K. and mainland Europe, is reporting that it carried 10 percent more passengers over this half-term school holiday, compared to the same holiday period last year. Over 230,000 people from across the U.K. and Europe will travel on Eurostar over the course of the week for a late winter break.

A combination of attractive prices, Valentine's Day and good ski conditions have made this a bumper half-term for Eurostar. “With the perfect skiing conditions we are enjoying at the moment, our direct ski services to the French Alps are virtually sold out next week,” said Nick Mercer, commercial director for Eurostar. “For families thinking about a last-minute break, we still have availability towards the end of the half-term week, with children under the age of 4 travelling for free. A short break can cost less than you think, particularly when you take into account all the discounts you get on museums, galleries, restaurants and shopping with our Eurostar Plus scheme.”

Eurostar Plus launched in 2010 to offer added value to Eurostar's leisure travelers. The Eurostar Plus collection includes Plus Shopping, Plus Culture and Eurostar Plus Gourmet.