Late Holiday?

Travel agents see rush on September bookings!

New research from Direct Line Travel Insurance reveals that Brits are gearing up for a post-school holiday holiday as half (49 per cent) of travel agents report a surge in bookings in the first week of September1. Much of this activity is driven by holidaymakers without children seeking to take advantage of cheaper prices now that the summer 'high season' is over.

The peak time for a post-school holiday season break is the second week of September (38 per cent), followed by the last two weeks of September (26 per cent).  While eight per cent of those organising a holiday now the high season has passed are planning to get away in October, others are already booking for the winter months of November and December.

When it comes to identifying who is jetting away, group bookings are driving demand (65 per cent), followed by couples (22 per cent) and single travellers (12 per cent). The most popular destinations identified for groups and single travellers are the Balearics, with Brits jetting away to chase late season sun and enjoy the Ibiza closing parties.  Mainland Spain is the second most popular destination for Brits looking for a holiday now the high season is over.

Travel agents revealed that demand for these destinations is being driven by a desire for great nightlife, beaches and culture.

When it comes to couples getting away this autumn, demand is highest for European city breaks.  Once out of the school holidays, cheaper flights to the likes of Barcelona, Paris, Rome and Berlin makes these attractive options for couples looking for a bargain.  The second most popular vacation spot for couples is the Greek islands, followed by long haul destinations to the likes of the United States and Thailand.  Travel agents highlighted romance, culture and atmosphere as the key deciding factors for couples looking for an autumn break.

Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line, comments: "Given the shocking bank holiday weather in the UK, it is no wonder people will be attracted by late summer sun.”

Have you booked a late holiday?