One of the questions we get asked most is: “Should I book my holiday now or wait?”
There isn’t one answer that works for every holiday. It depends on your destination, dates, budget and how flexible you are.
Here’s our straightforward advice.
Booking early
Booking early is usually best if you:
- Need to travel during school holidays
- Want a specific hotel
- Need a particular room type
- Want specific flight times
- Need to fly from a particular airport
- Are travelling as a family or large group
- Have your heart set on a particular cruise
The biggest advantage of booking early is choice.
You may find a cheaper deal by waiting, but you also risk losing the hotel, room or flights you actually wanted.
Is last-minute cheaper?
Sometimes.
Last-minute holidays can be great if you’re flexible on where you go and where you stay.
If you’re happy with any destination offering sunshine and an all-inclusive hotel, there can be some excellent last-minute deals.
But if you need specific dates, a particular hotel or a certain departure airport, waiting can leave you with fewer options — and sometimes a higher price.
School holidays
If you’re travelling during:
- February half term
- Easter
- May half term
- July and August
- October half term
- Christmas and New Year
we’d generally recommend booking early.
Demand is higher and popular hotels and flight dates can disappear quickly.
All-inclusive holidays
For a specific all-inclusive hotel, booking early usually makes sense.
This is particularly important if you want a family room, swim-up room, sea view or another specific room type.
If you’re not bothered about the hotel and simply want the cheapest all-inclusive holiday available, being flexible and waiting can work.
Cruises
Cruises are another holiday where booking early can be worthwhile.
If you want a particular itinerary, sailing date or cabin type, don’t leave it too late.
Balcony cabins, suites and popular itineraries can sell out.
However, cruise companies regularly run promotions, so it’s important to compare the overall package and what’s included, rather than just the headline price.
Should you wait for a sale?
Not necessarily.
Holiday prices change constantly and there isn’t a guaranteed day when holidays are always cheaper.
A sale doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting the best price either.
Our advice is to look at the actual price you’re paying and whether the holiday is right for you.
So, when should you book?
| Type of holiday | Our advice |
|---|---|
| School holidays | Book early |
| Specific hotel | Book early |
| Specific room | Book early |
| Christmas & New Year | Book early |
| Popular cruise | Book early |
| Flexible destination | Consider waiting |
| Flexible dates | Consider waiting |
| Last-minute getaway | Worth checking |
Our advice at Tom & Maria Travel
Don’t wait purely because you think the price might drop.
If you’ve found the right holiday, the dates work and you’re happy with the price, book it.
If you’re flexible, we can also look at different dates, destinations and hotels to find where the best value is.
That’s where using an independent travel consultant can help. We’ll do the searching and comparing for you, rather than you having to check dozens of websites yourself.
Ready to find your next holiday? Get in touch with Tom & Maria Travel and let’s start looking.
