Barrhead Travel predicts a record “Sunshine Saturday” as holiday bookings surge for summer 2026(Image: EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)
The first Saturday of January after people return to work, is typically the most popular day of the year for travel bookings as people look ahead and start planning holidays.
And this year is no exception as Barrhead Travel, one of the UK’s largest retail travel agencies, says it’s expecting a ‘booking boom’ this weekend as people rush to secure their 2026 getaways.
Many families will be hoping to lock-in travel deals for the school summer, Easter and October holidays periods and take advantage of low deposits and ‘kids go free’ offers.
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On the back of the group’s third consecutive record-breaking sales year in 2025, Barrhead Travel is anticipating high demand over the coming weekend. Last year, ‘Sunshine Saturday’ resulted in a record-breaking performance for the travel firm, resulting in its most successful January in the company’s history.
The group has reported that demand for summer getaways has been gaining momentum since after Christmas with the most popular Northern Irish destinations so far for 2026 including Majorca, Barcelona, Paris and Antalya.
Lisa Hamill, Northern Ireland Regional Sales Manager of Barrhead Travel, told Belfast Live: “With 2025 in the rear-view mirror, many people have already started thinking about making their holiday dreams a reality. January remains one of the best times of year to book a holiday – and we expect this year to be no different.
“We’ve noticed that people have already been booking earlier than usual this year; at the close of 2025, bookings for summer 2026 were already up compared to the same period last year. There’s definitely an appetite for spreading the cost over monthly payments as well as people being keen to secure their first choice of accommodation or destination rather than leave to the last-minute.”
Lisa Hamill, Northern Ireland Regional Sales Manager at Barrhead Travel
Detailing some of the deals up for grabs, Lisa, also told us: “Summer is certainly what customers are wanting with July/August and May our top months. July and August are obviously our school holidays and for May, it’s couples taking 7 nights away with top destinations for May including Salou/Majorca and Portugal.
“One deal that has worked well is 7 nights Salou 4* half board in August from £549pp. Cruising still features very strong for the NI too market especially when it can offer the all inclusive included. Another offer I can’t fail to mention is Lake Como, Milan and St Moritz with Bernina Express – 4th or 11th May been popular at £1229pp, which is 7 nights half board included.
“Ultimately, holidaymakers want value-for-money and to make sure their trips are fully financially protected which is why we continue to see a return to high street travel agents. We’re really excited for this weekend as we get ready to showcase the expertise of our people and help our customers map out their holidays for the year.”
Barrhead Travel has also unveiled a brand refresh in time for its January trading – titled “Travel that’s right up your street.” The new branding aims to unify the group’s ongoing commitment to providing expertise in local communities across the country and modernise the concept of “high street travel.”
This January, many of Barrhead Travel’s stores will be open seven days until late. Find your nearest Barrhead Travel store by visiting https://www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/storelocator.
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