BARRHEAD Travel's holiday bookings recorded a 20 per cent increase in the first week of the year.

The company's sales on the first Saturday of this month is also now the agency's highest-ever day of sales in its history.

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, said their phones have not stopped ringing, adding that the start of the year sets the tone for what to expect for the rest of 2024. 

She said: "We’re only one week into January but it is clear that people have got one thing on their mind this year – booking holidays.

"Despite ongoing consumer spending pressures, it is apparent that holidays will remain a priority for most.

"People are planning well ahead and taking advantage of the January sales as well as low deposit and pay-monthly options."

Known as 'Sunshine Saturday', the first Saturday of January typically sees a burst of holiday bookings, according to the agency, with headquarters in Glasgow.

Barrhead Travel experienced a surge in sales, breaking records set in previous weeks of January 2023.

In high demand for the summer 2024 season, which the group said has been the most popular booking season, are family-geared locations such as Tenerife, Mallorca, and Turkey.

However, long-haul destinations like Canada, Dubai and Barbados are also proving to be popular choices among customers.

Cruise holidays continue to be sought after, with departures from Southampton and Miami recorded as favourite ports.

Barrhead Travel operates seven days a week, with extended hours.

To find your nearest Barrhead Travel store, visit their website at http://tinyurl.com/dc3wd2zj.