As storms and freezing temperatures sweep across the UK, The Personal Travel Consultants, in partnership with Blue Bay Travel, is reporting a marked surge in holiday enquiries and bookings, with early indicators suggesting that the current spell of bad weather may be directly influencing consumer behaviour.
*All details correct at time of publish (13 January 2026)
In the period 3 – 11 January 2026, the PTCs have seen a 20% year-on-year increase in sales, with some consultants reporting their strongest trading days of the year so far on the 10th and 11th January.
While the Midlands and the South have been hit hardest by snow, ice, and travel disruption, the spike in bookings has been felt nationally.
According to the PTCs, the trend appears to be driven by two factors: weather‑related frustration and the unique resilience of the homeworking model.
“Periods of extreme weather often trigger a desire to escape to the sun, but what we’re seeing this week is particularly pronounced,” said Abbie Heaton, Group Manager of the PTCs.
“Customers have been stuck indoors, schools closed, commutes are disrupted and that’s when the convenience of having a personal travel expert available from home really comes into its own.”
Additionally, unlike high street agencies, many of which have faced staff absences as well as reduced footfall or even temporary closures due to the storm, homeworkers have been able to operate without interruption.
With no reliance on physical shops, PTCs can continue supporting customers even when roads are unsafe or public transport is suspended.
The flexibility of the homeworking model has also proved invaluable for families juggling weather‑related challenges. Many PTCs have continued trading seamlessly while managing school closures or childcare disruptions, something far harder to achieve in a traditional retail environment.
“We saw a clear spike in enquiries and bookings, particularly Weds – Friday last week and over the weekend,” added Heaton.
“It may be a coincidence, but the timing strongly suggests that the storm has prompted people to start planning their next escape. And because our consultants work from home, they’re well placed to capitalise on consumer demand.”
With more severe weather expected over the coming days, PTCs anticipate that the uplift may continue in line with the terrible weather forecasts.
For more information, visit personaltravelconsultants.com.
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