Travel Counsellors has seen an increase in summer holidays booked in June and July this year as families are booking later than ever.
The company has seen a surge in late bookings for the school holiday period. The majority of pupils in the UK broke up from school last week. Bookings made in June, to travel during the holidays, were up 5% on last year, and up 8% already in July.
Travel Counsellors managing director Steve Byrne said: “Sales are picking up considerably as we approach the summer holidays, which is a promising sign in the current climate.
“There are so many good offers in the marketplace and people are seeing the value in holding onto their money for longer, and booking nearer to the time of travel. Plus with the weather being so unpredictable in the UK, parents want to treat the kids and themselves to a bit of sunshine.”
Customers are opting for medium and long-haul destinations, such as Florida and Egypt, to avoid the eurozone.
Families are also choosing added-value options such as all-inclusive holidays so that they have more control over budget. This has led to an increase in the average booking value for Travel Counsellors from £2,139 to £2,618 during this period.
The average holiday duration has also increased from seven to nine days.