Thomson and First Choice estimate that Saturday will be the busiest day of the year for holiday bookings with over one million people visiting their websites or shops.
In-store bookings are predicted to peak from 2-3pm while online purchases are predicted to reach their highest level at 8pm.
More than four in 10 (42%) online bookings are expected to be made via tablets or mobiles.
According to Abta one of the main reasons for booking early is that travel companies offer their best deals in January and February including a limited number of free child places.
The travel organisation carried out research which found that the popularity of early booking is being driven by young people, with 42% of 16 to 24-year-olds confirming their holiday plans further in advance in the past 12 months than in previous years.
Abta’s 2016 Travel Trends report found that “tried and trusted destinations” such as Spain, Portugal and Italy will be popular due to “geopolitical uncertainty” elsewhere.
Away from Europe, bookings to Cuba, Cape Verde, Kenya and Thailand have been described as “very healthy”.
Andrew Flintham, commercial director for Thomson and First Choice, said: “Many people like to book their holidays early to give them something to look forward to in the year ahead.
“January is one of the best times to book as there are some fantastic deals available as well as thousands of free child places to a broad range of hotels and destinations.”
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Early bookers are able to take advantage of a range of benefits and discounts, so we hope that customers will make the most of these.
“Benefits are even more pronounced for families, where availability of child places for the summer months can fill up quickly.”
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