The British are off, today, dubbed Sunshine Saturday, if the first biggest holiday booking day of the year and according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) there has been a sharp increase in flight reservations, with bookings up by 5% compared to January 2025.
Spain, favourite among British holidaymakers, once again stood out as one of the top destinations for 2026. According to Jet2holidays, one of the UK’s leading travel companies, the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands—including Tenerife, Mallorca, and Ibiza—were particularly popular choices. The demand for all-inclusive packages has been especially strong, as travellers seek cost-certainty and a hassle-free experience.
Selina Chadha, the CAA’s group director for consumers and markets, said: “Sunshine Saturday is seen as the busiest day of the year for people booking holidays as travellers look for bargain deals on their next getaway. With more people looking to book their holiday, it’s important to check your package holiday for Atol protection. You’ll have peace of mind that you won’t lose money if your travel company collapses.”
Mallorca’s travel habits show increasing bookings and spending, especially from young Britons, but also stress over overcrowding and airport congestion, with forecasts for continued strong tourism in 2026, despite some ‘mass tourism’ concerns and potential disruptions like flight delays. Travellers are advised to expect peak season crowds, consider off-peak travel, and be prepared for potential airport delays at Palma, while enjoying a boom in domestic tourism and varied international interest.
Holiday bookings to the Balearics surged in late 2025, with strong demand continuing into 2026. Tourist spending is up, though some reports noted lower spending per person in restaurants compared to visitor numbers. Young British tourists are a significant driver, planning increased spending and valuing holiday time and Palma is seeing a boom in domestic Spanish tourism, alongside international interest.
A spokesperson from TUI UK, one of the largest travel operators in the country, noted that bookings for summer 2026 were exceptionally strong, and early planning meant families, solo travellers, and couples could secure the best deals ahead of peak season. This early surge suggests a growing confidence in the tourism sector as travellers look to make the most of the coming year.