People of Bolton are increasingly looking for sunshine getaways according to a travel boss.

Bookings to sunny destinations with Hays Travel North West – which has stores in Horwich and Westhoughton - have increased by 25 per cent since January 2020 - two months before the first Covid lockdown.

According to the company’s managing director Don Bircham, January is the peak period for the industry with families desperate to escape the cold, wet, and gloomy weather.

Favoured destinations include mainland Spain, Greece, Portugal, the Canaries, Balearics, Florida and Cruises, while Sicily is also attracting plenty of interest.

READ MORE: Hays Travel reports 'massive surge' in trade as restrictions ease

Meanwhile, Turkey is popular with the lira in freefall against the pound and Russian holidaymakers staying at home.

Don, who opened his first travel shop 22 years ago, said: “The first Saturday of the year is traditionally a big day for us and for the travel business across the country but this has been phenomenal.

“January is one month when there are no holidays for staff, and we even suspend our training programme for the month make sure we are fully staffed for our customers.

“We are also seeing many former customers return to us – people who may have been booking on the internet are seeing the benefits in terms of safety and security of booking with a travel agent.

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“There is also the protection and expertise a travel agent can bring in terms of knowing about restrictions on travel, passports, and visa regulations and, in these days, vaccination requirements.

“There has never been a better time to book with low deposits and easy payment plans to spread the cost of the holiday from now up to eight weeks before you go while the big tour operators like Jet 2 Holidays, Easyjet Holidays and Tui are offering big discounts including free child places.

“This is only the second year since we’ve been let loose again after the pandemic and people understandably want to stretch their wings again and fly off to somewhere sunny and welcoming.”

READ MORE: Cheap holiday destinations for 2023 including Spain and Prague

Hayes Travel North West  employs 250 staff and recently added new stores in Blackpool and Preston.