Travel with Katie Butler of Total Travel: February arrives with strong bookings and a timely reminder on travel protection
And just like that, we are in February. Like most people, I think we are all quietly hoping the worst of the cold weather is behind us and that snow stays firmly off the forecast. January, however, has certainly blown away the winter blues when it comes to travel, and it has delivered exactly what many in the industry were hoping for – and a little more besides.
January is traditionally one of the busiest booking months of the year, and this year has been no exception. What has been particularly noticeable is that the usual January peak now seems to be spilling comfortably into February too. There has been a real mix of bookings coming through the doors.
Family summer holidays are taking the lead with many parents keen to secure school holiday availability early. Alongside this, we are seeing a growing number of multi-generational trips, where grandparents, parents and children all travel together. These holidays are often about spending quality time and this is a pattern we have seen increase every year since the pandemic.
At the other end of the scale are the bucket-list trips – the “once in a lifetime” holidays that people may have dreamed about for years. Safaris in South Africa, fly-and-flop escapes to the Caribbean, trips to Australia to visit family, and long-haul adventures such as Vietnam and Cambodia twin-centre itineraries have all featured strongly.
Last week, however, also brought some sobering news closer to home. ABTA member Gold Crest Holidays, based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, announced that it has ceased trading after more than 30 years in business and has entered voluntary liquidation. In a message posted on its website, the company cited the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in key partner arrangements and a challenging trading environment with rising costs as the reasons behind the decision. Gold Crest Holidays specialised in coach holidays to Disneyland Paris, Paris city breaks, Christmas markets and sporting events, and they were well known locally and within the trade. Our thoughts go out to all the staff affected, many of whom we have worked alongside over the years.
News like this is never easy to hear and serves as a reminder of how tough the last few years have been for parts of the travel industry. For customers affected by the closure, the important message is that help is available. Those who booked through ABTA-protected arrangements are being assisted through the claims process, and this situation underlines just how important it is to ensure your holiday booking is financially protected. Whether through ABTA, ATOL or another recognised scheme, financial protection provides vital peace of mind should the unexpected happen.
Looking at the booking patterns from last week, May 2026 was the top-selling departure month, accounting for 11 per cent of all bookings. June followed closely behind with a ten per cent share, while July took third place with nine per cent. Late bookings also played a significant role, making up 22 per cent of the total, which suggests that many travellers are still happy to make decisions closer to departure if the right deal or opportunity comes along. In terms of destinations, Tenerife topped the list based on passenger numbers, followed by La Palma, helped by some particularly competitive offers we had advertised on our socials, and cruises departing from Southampton completing the top three.
As we move further into February, the momentum looks set to continue. Despite economic pressures and unpredictable weather, the appetite for travel remains strong – and that, at least, is something to feel optimistic about as we start 2026.