Homeworking agency Not Just Travel has claimed a record October as customers defy cost of living concerns to continue booking holidays.
More than half (53%) of current bookings are for this winter, which includes winter sun, last-minute getaways, ski, cruise, Christmas markets and Lapland holidays, while 37% are for summer 2023 and 73% bookings are adults only.
The top destinations are Spain, Greece, Turkey, the US and United Arab Emirates.
The company reported sales rising 133% compared to pre-pandemic levels in October 2019 without disclosing specific booking figures.
However, it said that current booking values were up to £4,285 per holiday, compared to £3,495 in the same month in 2019.
Steve Witt, co-founder of Not Just Travel and its franchise recruitment arm The Travel Franchise, said: “Our soaring sales figures dispel the myth that the financial climate is affecting people’s desire to book holidays.
“Our sales success shows that holidays are essential and non-negotiable to the British consumer.
“It seems that no matter what happens in the world, spending precious time with loved ones is clearly a priority.
“More people are booking further ahead too, to ensure deals are locked in and the best destinations and prices are guaranteed.”
Not Just Travel consultant Rachael Coyne, who has achieved £1.3 million in sales this year already with her husband Colman, said: “We normally have a peak booking season that runs from January to March.
“This year, peak booking season has kept on running and shows no sign of stopping. January will be even busier and so there is no better time to be a travel consultant.”
The Travel Franchise has seen a four-fold increase in phone calls and enquiries in the last month as people want to switch careers, or earn supplemental income as a travel consultant.