Nearly a quarter of Brits are planning to take a holiday before Easter this year, new research on the eve of peaks has revealed, offering a potential lates boost for agents.
Data published on Wednesday (3 January) by AllClear Travel Insurance reveals 23% of UK holidaymakers are planning to jet off between January and April, giving agents plenty of opportunities to sell winter and spring holidays during this year’s peaks period, as well as the usual summer getaways.
According to the figures, more than a third of those planning to head abroad within the next three months will choose a beach holiday; 27% will opt for a city break; while 9% are planning a ski trip. Overall, 77% of Brits are planning an overseas holiday this year, up from 64% at the same stage of 2023.
“As we usher in the New Year, it is exciting to see how many people are welcoming 2024 with a holiday abroad – and many are looking to book a break long before the summer period,” said head of corporate affairs Garry Nelson. “While ski season is popular with some, there are a wide range of other breaks that are on the cards for the early months of 2024.”
Meanwhile, turn-of-year research by Tui reveals more than a third of British travellers (37%) are likely to book a summer getaway during peaks, with European beach breaks set to be in greatest demand. Three in 10 respondents to the Tui poll said they would aim to get away for a week, 12% for 10 days and 15% for two weeks.
“For years, we have seen huge demand post-Christmas to search for, and book a holiday, and we expect this January to be no different,” said Tui UK and Ireland commercial director Phillip Iveson.
“We know that people are keen to look for their future travel plans at this time, appetite for travel has never been greater.”
Tui added: "Tui is expecting this year’s sales to be stronger than January 2022, and January 2020, before the pandemic struck."