Two travel companies have reported record-breaking performances during Peaks with strong January trading.
Not Just Travel said the business had achieved four times as many record-breaking sales days throughout January compared to the same period last year, including its busiest Saturday ever.
The homeworking agency said consultants who had increased their sales year-on-year during this period saw sales up on average 172%.
Cruise bookings have been a ‘particular standout‘, with sales growing at a rate 1.6 times faster than land-based holidays.
The group added that long-haul destinations, including the USA, Caribbean and the UAE continue to drive high average booking values, while summer 2026 departures account for 46% of overall bookings.
The company said last-minute bookings account for over 30% of sales.
Co-founder Steve Witt said: “Following our early predictions, January 2026 has started our biggest Peaks ever. The momentum started even before Christmas Day and has exceeded even our highest expectations.”
Barrhead Travel reported its strongest trading day on record on 31 January, with bookings up 37% compared to the same day last year.
The Scottish-based agency said the payday weekend rounded off January on a ‘strong note’, with growth recorded across all areas of its business.
It added that the strongest performance came from long-haul travel, touring and adventure, and cruise.
For cruise, sales are already up 11% year-on-year, with river cruising bookings up by 54% compared to last year.
Barrhead added summer 2026 Mediterranean fly-cruises and no-fly sailings from Southampton have been standout performers since the start of the year.
There has also been a noticeable increase in customers planning further ahead for ‘bucket-list’ destinations such as Japan, Thailand and Australia, it said.
Managing Director Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, who joined the Glasgow Silverburn store for Barrhead’s annual ‘Back to the Floor Day’, said: “We are delighted to be heading into February with a solid sales foundation to build on.”
Pictured are Barrhead Travel’s Margaret Gibb, left, with Nicki at the Glasgow Silverburn store
