Travel column with Katie Butler of Total Travel: Montenegro joins the party as Leeds Bradford expands holiday choices

Jet2 has announced flights and holidays to Tivat in Montenegro for summer 2027, with a weekly Monday service running from May 10 right through to September 27. Not only that, but ii will be exclusive from Leeds Bradford too, so no need to trek over the Pennines for this one.

Now, if Montenegro has not been on your radar before, it probably should be. Think stunning coastline, proper scenic views, and resorts like Budva and Becici that are a bit lively without being over the top. It’s one of those places that still feels a bit “undiscovered” compared to some of the usual Mediterranean hotspots.

This announcement has come hot on the heels of Jet2 already adding Preveza and Santorini for summer 2027, plus earlier news about flights to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. So all in all, that’s five new routes from Leeds Bradford for that summer – not bad going at all.

By the time summer 2027 rolls around, Jet2’s programme from Leeds Bradford will be its biggest yet, with 53 routes and close to two million seats. That is a whole lot of people escaping the Yorkshire weather, even if we do get the odd decent week here and there! One thing they we are keen to point out as well is that despite all the noise about rising fuel costs, they are sticking to their promise that once you’ve booked, that’s your price. No extra surcharges popping up later on, which is always reassuring.

Closer to home, last week we swapped passports for cricket bats (well, almost) as we were invited down to Headingley Stadium for a training event hosted by TUI and Leeds Bradford Airport. As an independent agency, we are responsible for our own training, so getting the team along to events like this is really important. It is where we hear about new destinations, hotel updates, and all the key dates coming up – plus it’s always nice to put faces to names and have a proper catch-up with suppliers. There were some familiar faces there too, including the teams from Iberostar, Karisma Hotels and Atlantica Hotels, all sharing what’s new and what customers are loving at the minute. Always dangerous, mind – you come away wanting to book about five different holidays yourself.

TUI also dropped a bit of news while we were there: their winter 2027/2028 programme goes on sale from July 2. That means from next month, you’ll be able to get trips booked right through to March 2028. Fair play if you’re that organised – I’m still deciding where I fancy for next summer!

As always, a quick look at what’s been popular over the past week. July 2026 came out on top, taking 15 per cent of bookings, with June just behind on 14 per cent, and September in third place with 12 per cent. And when it comes to destinations, it’s a familiar trio leading the way. Majorca took the top spot, Tenerife came in second, and it was nice to see Turkey back in third place again – a bit of a comeback favourite at the minute.