Sunshine Saturday boom for summer holiday bookings with on the water breaks proving a particular hit

Judith Chalmers OBE © London Boat Show

January is tipped to be big news for the holiday industry. 'Sunshine Saturday' – falling within the first two weeks of January – is anticipated to be the busiest holiday booking day of the year, as Brits clamour to book something to look forward to in lieu of New Year hangovers.

That's according to a new survey commissioned by the Boating & Watersports Holiday Show, part of the London Boat Show, ahead of the event's opening next Wednesday (10 January 2018).

According to the poll, time appears to be of the essence when it comes to Brits booking their annual holiday. A significant number – around one in six - revealed they'd be booking their main holiday in the first two weeks of January. And it's now led to the London Boat Show - a spectacular five-day event of boating and watersports at ExCeL London - dubbing upcoming Saturday 13 January as 2018's so-called 'Sunshine Saturday', where they predict a flurry of holidays being bought and pencilled into diaries.

Television star and presenter of hit TV travel programme, 'Wish you were here?' Judith Chalmers OBE, has been taking a look at the figures released today. Judith comments: "The results make particularly interesting reading with my background in travel. I have had some fantastic vacations both at home and abroad, with my particular favourites being New Zealand and Portugal. I love being out on the water with the family and have many fond memories of holidaying on the Broads when I was younger."

Judith continues: "The London Boat Show is a wonderful event bringing together a world of inspiration, on the water experiences and global and UK launches. I'm particularly excited about this year's all new Boating and Watersports Holiday Show which is set to offer an escape from the January chill, from relaxing holidays on our beautiful inland waterways to luxury charters in the Med. It's great to see the increasing popularity of cruising in particular. I really would encourage anyone of all ages interested in boating to pay a visit."

According to the research, almost a third of Brits plan to take a 'staycation' in the UK this year. The poll found 30 per cent of Brits - the equivalent of almost 16 million people - will forgo airports and transfers to check-in closer to home with Scotland proving the biggest draw for staycationers.

Meanwhile Europe is still the hottest destination for those looking to travel abroad, with 46 per cent saying they'd be journeying to tourist hotspots including Spain, Greece, Croatia and Portugal in 2018.

Another key trend for 2018 appears to be the desire for Britons to get out on the water. According to the survey of 2,000 people - conducted by Mortar London - three in 10 (30 per cent) have already been on a water holiday. Around 2 million (3.8 per cent) are planning to go on a canal boat with a further 7 per cent keen to go kayaking this year. Others are planning to go snorkelling (12 per cent); sailing (7 per cent), motor boating (4 per cent) or white-water rafting (4 per cent) What's more, the idea of 'being by the water' was one of the most enjoyable aspects (34 per cent) of going on holiday, beaten only by 'relaxing' (67 per cent), 'spending time with family and friends' (41 per cent), 'food' (38 per cent) and 'exploring new sights and different cultures' (37 per cent).

The latest London Boat Show survey will also prove welcome reading to actress and TV star, Joanna Lumley, as she was voted the UK's 'ideal celebrity travel companion'. The 71-year-old scooped 19 per cent of the votes, beating Michael Palin (12 per cent), Bear Grylls (11.5 per cent) and Davina McCall (10 per cent) to the No.1 spot.

It was, however, bad news for the likes of Chris Packham, Ed Sheeran, Katie Price and Jeremy Clarkson - who each amassed just a single vote each!

Back for its 64th year, the London Boat Show returns 10-14 January 2018 celebrating everything you can do and enjoy on the water. Bringing a world of inspiration, stunning yachts and on-water experiences visitors will be treated to five days of the very latest in the boating world. Incorporating the all-new Boating & Watersports Holiday Show, visitors will also be able to get into the holiday spirit and plan their next water-based getaway.

To buy tickets for the Show, visit www.londonboatshow.com. Advance tickets start from £15, with two children under the age of 15 going free with each adult.