Holiday Extras reports that 70% of its bookings made so far this month are for May onwards “illustrating the growing confidence and demand for summer travel”.
This time last year, just 26% of bookings were for May onwards, because of sales for travel for February half-term and Easter holidays, plus business and last-minute bookings.
Sales of its add-ons in the past week are up 14% compared to the previous week.
The top six destinations currently being booked are Spain, Greece, US, United Arab Emirates, Italy and Turkey, according to the add-ons specialist that sells extras such as airport parking, airport hotels, lounges and travel insurance.
Separate research carried out in January by Holiday Extras shows that half of holidaymakers are waiting before they decide on their holiday plans. The survey found that would-be bookers are either waiting for lockdown to end; waiting to receive the vaccine; or waiting for their favourite destination to re-open before making a decision.
When asked what they were most looking forward to, more people said they were looking forward to a holiday (43%) than anything else, even more than a hug (22%), dinner out (20%) or going to the cinema (12%).
Seamus McCauley, head of communications at Holiday Extras, said: “Since the start of the Covid crisis, we’ve asked over 15,000 UK holidaymakers who travelled in 2019 or 2020 when they plan to fly again.
“Our latest findings reveal that 78% of them are raring to go on holiday, showing clearly that the demand and confidence in travel is there, and as soon as the holidays and flights are available to book.
“We’re expecting this summer to sell out as soon as there’s clarity from the government on when people can go. So, if you know when you’re going, book ahead.”