Grand UK Holidays is reporting a “particularly noticeable surge” in late summer bookings this year, with an increasing number of customers calling in to get away at short notice – a trend the company says is especially striking within the traditionally early-booking coach holiday market.
*All details correct at time of publication (24 August 2026)
The established UK coach holiday specialist, which has been operating for more than 40 years, has seen a clear increase in customers getting in touch later in the season to enquire about late availability and secure summer breaks.
While coach holidays have traditionally attracted customers who plan and book their trips well in advance, Grand UK Holidays says this year has seen a distinct change in behaviour, with customers actively seeking later getaways and asking what is still available for August and into early autumn.
Kirsty Laifa, Grand UK Holidays, said: “We’ve been particularly struck by how much interest there has been in later summer departures this year. The coach holiday customer has historically been someone who likes to plan ahead, so to see people actively calling us looking for a getaway at relatively short notice is a very noticeable change.”
The company believes a combination of factors is helping to drive the trend, including customers making the most of the remaining sunnier and warmer summer months, a desire for hassle-free UK travel and the appeal of being able to book a complete holiday package without the planning involved in arranging an independent break.
For many customers, the coach holiday also offers a particularly attractive late summer proposition: transport, accommodation, excursions and itineraries are organised in advance, while customers can simply book and look forward to their trip.
Grand UK Holidays says the increased demand is not limited to a particular type of holiday, with interest across its programme of UK destinations, from scenic countryside and coastal resorts to heritage destinations and touring holidays.
The operator is now encouraging customers who have yet to take their main summer break – or who simply fancy another escape before autumn – to consider what late availability remains across its programme.
“Traditionally, if you were talking about the coach holiday market in August, you’d expect much of the planning and booking to have happened months ago,” adds Kirsty. ‘’ This year we’re seeing customers saying, in effect, ‘Where can we still go?’ That appetite for a later getaway has been very noticeable.”
With the summer season continuing into September, Grand UK Holidays believes there is still an opportunity for operators and travel agents to tap into customers who may have left their holiday decision later than usual.
