Hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers, particularly families, will next week take their first February half-term breaks since Covid travel restrictions were lifted, with Abta data suggesting around 15% of those who have previously indicated to the association they plan to travel abroad this year set to do so this February half-term.

A barnstorming peaks, driven in part by an ongoing trend towards late bookings, saw many leave it until the new year to book – and to book in increasing numbers with travel professionals.

"The desire to get away this February half-term reflects the wider demand for overseas travel, with many Abta travel agent and tour operator members reporting record-breaking sales in January for holidays this year," said Abta.

According to Abta’s latest consumer sentiment research, consumers are now 36% more likely to book with a travel professional than they were before the pandemic; nearly half (45%) said this was due to the security provided by a package holiday, while 38% said it was down to agents’ up-to-date advice. Just under a third (31%) put the shift in their behaviour down to value.

Three-quarters said they were giving more thought and consideration to who they are booking with, with three-quarters (75%) stating booking with a well-known name in travel would be important to them in 2023, up from 62% in 2019.

‘Highly skilled’

"The enthusiasm we’ve seen for holiday bookings this year shows just how high they are on people’s priority lists, despite the current squeeze on household budgets," said Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer.

"There is, of course, a strong focus on getting good value for money, which is one of the reasons why people are turning to trusted travel agents and tour operators to plan their trips.

"People are realising that, as well as being able to give them the latest advice and expert help if something goes wrong, they’re also highly skilled at finding the best holiday for their budget.”