Travel column with Katie Butler of Total Travel: Back to school but there's still time for a holiday
The kids are back at school – yayyyyy! Although, if I am being honest, where on earth did those six weeks go? It feels like only yesterday we were getting ready for the summer holidays.
I say it every year, but time really does seem to go quicker the older we get and I am certainly feeling it this year.
While overseas holidays will always be popular, there is a lot to be said for staying a little closer to home too. You don’t always need a passport and a plane to have a cracking break, and the British Isles have some absolutely beautiful places to explore.
Just Go! Holidays has expanded its 2027 UK touring programme, adding 15 new itineraries alongside some of its popular favourites. There are now 45 Britain and Ireland tours to choose from, with prices starting at £349 per person for a four-day break.
Among the new trips is a five-day tour around Babbacombe and the English Riviera, taking in Exeter, Sidmouth, Dawlish and Teignmouth, as well as an eight-day Hebridean Adventure exploring some of Scotland’s stunning islands.
There are also new breaks with Warner Hotels, including a five-day entertainment break at Norton Grange Coastal Village on the Isle of Wight.
There has also been plenty happening in the world of holidays and flying, with the latest figures showing that UK airports had a record-breaking second quarter this year. More than 81 million passengers travelled through UK airports between April and June, slightly higher than the same period last year.
It is another indication that people’s appetite for holidays and travel certainly hasn’t disappeared. Despite all the uncertainty we’ve seen around the world, people are still keen to get away and make the most of their annual and well deserved holiday.
Closer to home, there has been some news for passengers who have used Manchester, Stansted or East Midlands airports. Manchester Airports Group has confirmed that a cyber security incident resulted in some customer information being accessed. The information related to bookings such as airport parking, lounges, Fast Track and airport Wi-Fi and included details such as email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations and postcodes.
Importantly, no bank or payment card details were held on the affected system, and the incident did not affect airport operations or passenger safety. Customers who are directly affected are being contacted. I received my email from the MAG (Manchester Airport Group) last week and will be cautious over any strange phone calls or emails.
And finally, here’s what you were booking last week. September 2026 remained the most popular month, accounting for 17 per cent of bookings, followed by October with 15 per cent and December with eight per cent. A whopping 41 per cent of bookings were made for late departures, proving even though we are flying through the year there is still time to book a holiday.
The top three destinations based on passenger numbers were Dalaman in first place, Tenerife in second and Majorca in third.
So, whether you’re planning ahead for 2027 or simply fancy squeezing in one more bit of sunshine before winter arrives, there are still plenty of holidays out there.