Sunderland firm Hays Travel gets set for 'Sunshine Saturday' holiday rush - here are the best deals on offer

This weekend sees start of the busiest week for holiday bookings as millions get set to secure their holiday this week in a bid to beat the winter blues.

The busy booking period is expected to peak on January 4, dubbed Sunshine Saturday, when a surge of British holiday makers go online or visit their high street agents.

And Hays Travel, which has its head office in the city’s Keel Square, has been preparing for the surge in bookings with staff ready to help customers secure the best deals.

The firm confirmed that it is expecting a busy day with queues of customers at its branches ready to book a holiday.

Leanne Burns, branch manager at Hays Travel in The Bridges, Sunderland, said customers can expect to snap up a good deal, with deposits from £49.

She said: “We are preparing for ‘Sunshine Saturday’ by making sure we are all in early with a Greggs breakfast in hand raring to go.

“We have low deposits from £49 per person, direct debit plans, free child places and expert knowledge.

“We are expecting to be very busy and queues are likely, but our staff will be there ready to find the best deals possible for our customers.”

And one of their busiest day day of the year comes just after an huge year of growth for the company, which saw it reopen hundreds of former Thomas Cook stores and hire more than 2,000 employees after the travel giant’s liquidation in September 2019.

Their efforts saw Hays Travel owners John and Irene Hayes win two Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards 2019 accolades – Large Business of the Year and the Overall Business of the Year.

If you’re thinking of booking a holiday this Sunshine Saturday, here are some of the best deals at Hays Travel.

Hard Rock Hotel, Tenerife.

Flying from Newcastle in December 2020, costing £763pp.

Only a £60pp deposit.

Young and Lively Ibiza

Flying from Newcastle in June 2020, costing £348pp.

Only £60pp deposit.

New York 4 night City Break

Flying from Newcastle in February 2020, costing £583pp.