Northamptonshire travel consultant reveals what's really going on with holidays right now - and why people are still booking with confidence

Sinead Hooker, who runs Handpicked Holiday, has been busier than ever during 2026 with record sales during some months - all despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East and other factors that some might think would be putting people off travelling right now.

The busy mum of four who covers Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Leicestershire, told this newspaper: “If you’ve found yourself hesitating before booking a holiday lately, you’re definitely not alone.

“With the new EES (Entry/Exit System) coming into play for parts of Europe, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and recent headlines around possible fuel shortages, it’s no surprise that people are feeling a bit uncertain about making plans.

“And yes, from an industry point of view, things have shifted. There’s been disruption no one would deny that. But what I think is really important to say is that the situation isn’t nearly as worrying as it might seem from the outside.

"People are still booking. Every single day. They’re just approaching things a little differently.”

Sinead, who has more than 1,600 followers and is 100 per cent recommended on Facebook, not to mention the stream of five star reviews on Google, said that most of her clients are simply being a bit more considered about where they go.

She said: “We’re seeing a real rise in bookings for destinations like Cape Verde, Montenegro, Mauritius, Turkey, the Maldives and Greece, places that feel straightforward, safe, and don’t come with the added uncertainty of new border systems or nearby unrest.

“What’s also been really interesting is the shift in the type of holidays people want. It’s not just about lying on a sunbed anymore. I’m booking more long-haul trips than ever—Thailand and the USA are incredibly popular. And there’s been a big increase in bespoke family adventures. These are proper experience-led trips: multiple stops, wildlife, culture, exploring… not your typical “fly and flop” holiday.

“People aren’t cancelling travel, they’re just making it work better for them.”

Handpicked Holiday prides itself on providing ‘honest, reliable, and personable service’ with an aim of making bookings ‘a breeze’.

Sinead said: “One of the biggest concerns I keep hearing about is fuel. But honestly, the reality on the ground is much calmer than the headlines suggest. Out of the hundreds of airlines and suppliers I deal with, I’ve had zero notifications about fuel shortages affecting travel.

“Only two airlines I work with: Air Mauritius and EVA Air have introduced small fuel surcharges. And even then, there are ways around it. Many of my clients are choosing to pay in full upfront, which locks in the price and avoids any unexpected increases later on.” Sinead explained that right now, prices are being driven far more by demand than anything else.

She said: “In fact, companies like Jet2 Holidays are actively encouraging people to book early with campaigns like “Lock In Your Prices” - and I completely agree with that approach.

“Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this: when uncertainty settles, demand comes back fast - and prices go up even faster. It happens every time. The people who wait for everything to feel “perfect” are usually the ones who end up paying the most.”

Asked about the one piece of advice that she would give right now, Sinead said it would be to think carefully about how you book, not just where you go.

Sinead explains: “Booking a package holiday through a professional travel agent with ABTA and ATOL protection gives you proper protection under the Package Travel Regulations, but just as importantly, it gives you someone in your corner. If anything changes, gets cancelled, or needs sorting, you’re not left dealing with it on your own.

“And that really matters at times like this.

“It might be tempting to save a bit of money booking online, but it’s always worth checking reviews and looking at customer service ratings. A cheap deal isn’t always a good deal, especially if you can’t get hold of anyone when you need help.

“The bottom line is, travel hasn’t stopped. Not even close.

“It’s just changed slightly - and with the right advice, people are still going away, still exploring, and still booking with confidence.”