It may not feel much like it right now, but today is Sunshine Saturday.
Airlines and travel agents expect a surge in holiday bookings today as many of us search for a break in warmer climes.
Some 39 per cent of shoppers are hoping to snap up a cut-rate vacation, a survey of 2,000 people commissioned by the website MyVoucherCodes reveals.
In Northern Ireland the figure was even greater, with around 65 per cent of those polled eager to bag a value-for-money break.
Retail expert Sarah-Jane Outten of MyVoucherCodes said: ‘This year, it seems shoppers aren’t just purchasing traditional items such as clothes and electrical goods for themselves or their loved ones, they’re on the lookout for experiences and booking a getaway is high on their list.’
The survey also indicated that male travellers expect to spend around £250 on January sales shopping, while women are typically budgeting to spend £204. Those aged 25 to 34 expect to spend the most, typically, at around £291.
But Which? travel expert Jo Rhodes warned shoppers not to be seduced by ‘too good to be true’ deals.
She said: ‘Though travel companies are billing this weekend as a prime time to grab a holiday bargain, don’t feel pressured into booking in a hurry.
Some 39 per cent of shoppers are hoping to snap up a bargain holiday this weekend (file photo)
Budget airline Ryanair reported an increase in passenger numbers over December, despite disruption to UK flights over Christmas
‘Time-limited deals aren’t always everything they promise so take the time to consider your options, and shop around to make sure you’re getting the right holiday for you, at the right price.
‘Holiday booking scams are common at this time of year so if something looks too good to be true, always think twice.
‘There are lots of dodgy ‘deals’ on social media and fake listings can even make their way on to booking sites.
‘Always avoid listings requesting payments by bank transfer and consider doing a reverse image search on villas or rentals to check the images haven’t been lifted from elsewhere.’
The news comes after budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air both reported an increase in passenger numbers during December, despite disruption to UK flights over Christmas.
Stansted, which is Ryanair’s main UK airport, suffered disruption because of foggy conditions. And Gatwick suffered more than four days of fog-related disruptions between Christmas and New Year.
Ryanair carried 13.6million passengers on more than 77,000 flights in December, up 8 per cent on the same period last year.
Meanwhile, Wizz Air carried 5.1million passengers over the festive period, up 1.9 per cent. In total, the budget airline is thought to have ferried around 62.7million passengers around the globe this year – up 3.9 per cent on the previous year.
Wizz Air carried 5.1million passengers over the festive period and 62.7million throughout the whole year
Despite rising passenger numbers, airlines have seen average fares decline of late, amid pressure on consumer spending.
Ryanair said in November that its average air fare declined by a tenth in 2024, which hit its profits.
Higher interest rates and efforts to offset higher living costs among customers have meant airlines have been forced to drop prices.
Wizz Air’s rolling total for the year came to 62.7million passengers, up 3.9 per cent on the previous year.