It is common knowledge that the first few weeks after the New Year are big days for booking holidays. It’s not surprising; the weather in the UK is always horrible and cold, we’re in a post-Christmas slump, and we want something new to look forward to.
They may be big, but are they the best? Have you already left it too late or should you hang fire? A dilemma which faces thousands of people every year. And there are a lot of myths out there. After all, a sunny holiday sitting on a beach somewhere in the world doesn’t sound so bad to anyone I am sure. But how will it affect your budget?
In the past, I have told you the best time to buy anything all year round, including flights and cruises. SPOILER ALERT: January wasn’t the best time to book either option. But in the spirit of research, I have got some incredible tips as to when to book every type of holiday you could want.
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Can You Get A Good Holiday Deal In January?
It really depends on what you’re looking for, which I know isn’t the answer you wanted. A lot of travel agencies have caught on to the start of the year being the time we’re all searching for that perfect place in the sun we can look forward to. Because of that, we have looked in to when you really should be booking your holiday, depending on which type of holiday you want.
PACKAGE HOLIDAYS:
As a general rule, package holidays are the cheapest option for 7, 10 or 14-day breaks, to popular mainstream destinations. Always benchmark a decent price before you start your research, so you know how much you are likely to spend and whether you’re being ripped off.
They are available from all of the big tour operators directly, such as Jet2holidays, TUI and Thomas Cook, as well as through comparison sites such as Icelolly and the old trusty travel agent. They’re also growing in popularity. People want everything sorted for them as one whole convenient arrangement, rather than having to book accommodation, flights, transport and excursions separately.
The good news is that this means there is a wide choice, and at competitive prices too. A lot of companies have deals and offers in place a year in advance once flight times are released, getting you ready for next Summer before this Summer has even arrived. But this doesn’t necessarily mean this is the best time to book, so don’t panic.
If you’re free to go at any time rather than just school holidays, then what are you waiting for? Start monitoring your top picks, such as particular destinations or operators so that you can study the price patterns every day.
Off-peak prices can fluctuate, as opposed to peak times which rarely reduce, so keep an eye on them. The best times are in May/June or September/October. The weather will still be fab too.
Provided there are still seats on the plane; the biggest reductions are commonly found six to twelve weeks before departure. Greece and the Spanish Costas always see the biggest drops. Playing holiday roulette and leaving it later rather than sooner could work in your favour.
It is worth checking out online travel agents such as Travel Republic, OnTheBeach or LoveHolidays as well as those based on the high street; the low costs are kept down as they use budget airlines to get you to beach destinations, which has no impact on your holiday experience so don’t be put off.
Book early if… you want to get the best value out of your hard-earned cash and have particular requests/demands/destination and accommodation picks
Book late if… you’re willing to take the risk and go wherever the best deal is at the last minute
FAMILY HOLIDAYS:
If you have a young family and school-age children, you’re already limited to when you can go on holiday. This also applies if you work in a school. And don’t travel companies take advantage of this.
Getting it right for Summer, Easter or Half Term is essential. You know it’s going to be more expensive than any other time of the year before you even start to look, so book early to avoid being left with all of the holidays other people don’t want. If you’re going to pay top rate anyway, you don’t want your second choice.
Family holiday venues also don’t tend to see the big reductions which less obliging accommodation has, such as money off, discounted meals or free excursions. They know there’s a good chance they’ll be over 80% capacity in high season anyway.
A lot of operators offer free child places. TUI, First Choice, Thomas Cook and Jet2holidays are some of the most popular. It is usually one child per two adults, so if you have more than one child don’t necessarily take it for granted that it is a sparkling deal. But if you do indeed save money, that’s more money to spend when you’re there.
It is generally recommended you have your family holiday booked by February of the year you are going to save disappointment. Booking even further ahead can be scary as circumstances can change, but it’s generally thought the earlier you book, the safer it is. Also look into going midweek to midweek to avoid travelling on more expensive weekends. Your trip to the airport will likely be less stressful too.
Book early if… you have your favourite destination, don’t want second best and want the finest deals
Book late if… you’re willing to be rushing around last minute and go for something you’re not 100% happy with (basically, try to avoid it)
VILLA HOLIDAYS
You’ll probably only be looking at these if you have a big budget, or a large family/group of friends that would require several hotel rooms anyway. While it was once the norm to book your flights and then villa separately using a site such as Owners Direct or HomeAway, some large operators work with villa owners now or have their own selection, such as TUI and British Airways.
This has lowered the wider price of villa holidays in some circumstances, and also acts as added protection after quite a few ‘fake property’ scandals. The rise of Airbnb has also seen to have affected prices. But do remember that villa owners are pretty free to place their own rates and prices on their property rentals.
Villa owners also often have standard set prices depending on the month/season. The likelihood they’re willing to haggle and lower this price for a last-minute booking is slim, especially in high season.
Obviously, there are fewer villas, apartments and cottages available than there are hotel rooms. And the best ones will get snapped up quickly. They are also more likely to be booked by the same families on an annual basis, on the same dates.
To save disappointment, book your villa early. You can always book, just pay a deposit if the owner allows and then keep an eye on flight prices later, in case it doesn’t work out to be as cheap as you hoped.
Do look and see if a hotel would be cheaper if you’re only a small family. Although it won’t be as private and flexible, it could mean a significant saving, plus things like food could be included.
Book early if… you have a villa in mind, love the added luxury or want to be well organised with time to arrange your flights and car hire
Book late if… you’re willing to risk the fact there may not be anything left, and you are in a haggling mood if the owner is co-operative
CRUISES
Cruises can often be a big exception to the old ‘January is best’ notion, even though Wave season (January to March) is when a lot of promotions are released. But they are now commonly seen in Autumn too. Is there actually a best season to book or are there more important factors?
Ships release their itineraries earlier than flight companies, 18 months or more in advance, and dazzle us with the deals as soon as they’re announced. There may also be bonus offers for the first early bookers, such as free airfare or some free on-board credit. And you get the first pick of cabins, of course.
This is why Autumn is busy in the cruise world – 18 months before summer cruises are announced, which are often the most popular (such as Disney and family-orientated cruises).
If you bag an early saver rate, it isn’t only appealing, but it could also be guaranteed to provide the lowest cost even if prices fluctuate. So, if prices decrease a few months later, your cost could come down too.
Cruise prices are more likely to increase in line with the number of bookings made, especially with luxury trips or for ‘short-season’ destinations. So, getting in early could see you get the best deals available. The good news is that most companies only want a refundable deposit to hold your cabin until a later date, so you won’t lose money if you book and your circumstances change.
This makes booking luxury or busy cruises early even more appealing. The likelihood is that if you want to set sail in the first place, it is probably going to be a big trip. Your dream liner, where you want a luxury cabin and particular itinerary.
What about those less popular lines? Cruise companies can slash prices to fill the ship in the last few months. Look for deals 90 days before departure. Don’t expect the luxury cabins to be reduced though.
There is the risk that a lot of people will have the same idea. There are loads of cabins left, so prices are lowered. Suddenly everyone is booking, and prices will go up again with demand. If your earmarked cruise is getting busier, last minute rates will be higher so get in ASAP.
The whole last-minute, second-choice thing isn’t recommended for cruises as it proves risky. It only really works if you’re fully flexible and don’t have too far to travel to the port (this is a cost a lot of people don’t consider before they go).
Book early if: it is your dream once in a lifetime trip which you want to make the most of
Book late if: you just want a cheap deal to wherever the ship is going and don’t have to arrange expensive transport to get to the port
SKI TRIPS
A type of trip where you probably have your favourite destination or chalet each season, as opposed to going wherever is cheapest. You need to book somewhere with slopes suited to your style and ability, and with a good pick of restaurants and entertainment.
Other skiers with a favourite chalet will likely book a year in advance just like those who book villas in hotter climates, so why shouldn’t you too? The earlier you book, the more chance you have of guaranteeing your place before someone else snaps it up.
With any all-inclusive ski deals, you can get the usual accommodation, flights and transfers as well as extras such as ski hire and lift passes. This can be freebies, 2-for-1 deals or even free kid’s places. These are worth checking out, so sign up for any communication methods from your favourite destinations and make the most of any offers.
Booking early can also mean you get the best choice of flights and transfer times. So not only does planning ahead give you more freedom but as prices rarely go down for ski holidays, it is probably the cheapest option too.
Book early if: you are a seasoned skier, want a particular destination and to make the most of the early deals
Book late if: you suddenly have a spontaneous urge to get into skiing. But preferably have a few lessons before you go
WEEKEND BREAKS
Most people will book each part of a weekend break to a European city such as Paris or Amsterdam separately rather than as a package. Short-haul city flights are often cheap (especially last minute through airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair), there has been a rise in hostels and Airbnb’s to suit demand, and there is very little transfer transport needed apart from public transport or taxis.
People also tend to book these more spontaneously than Summer holidays, realising they have a free weekend next month rather than planning a year in advance.
If you do have a free weekend coming up, airlines can lower the price of their leftover seats, so it is good to keep a check. Sites such as Expedia, Skyscanner and Kayak are great for comparing flights. You also can compare hotels through them as well, either separately or as a deal.
Know you want to go to Budapest next year on a certain date? Sign up to email newsletters for good deals and make the most of airline offers. This can be when flights are released a year previous, or during sales in the Winter months.
The good news is, no matter what time you look, there is a good deal to be had. Demanding seasons will be more expensive, but if you’re pretty flexible then don’t feel too rushed.
Book early if: you are having a year of city breaks as opposed to one big holiday
Book late if: you’re spontaneous and don’t know when you’ll be free
UK BREAKS
Another one where accommodation usually gets snapped up quickly, especially if you are going to anywhere such as the Lakes, Cornwall or Devon. They aren’t only destinations for UK holidaymakers, but also those from around the world.
The good news is, unlike the latter, you don’t have to pay for flights etc. So essentially, there’s nothing to stop you from booking early. Plus, the best accommodation will probably sell out quite a bit in advance.
If you know you want a staycation next summer, get planning now and try to keep an eye on any deals. With private accommodation rentals, the owners can set their own prices so there’s a very high risk they won’t go any cheaper.
Hotels can be very different though. Prices adjust with demand, so only really go down if there are a certain number of rooms left. And as you want to go there, a lot of other people will want to too. So, getting in early could save you having to pay higher prices for the exact same room and offer.
Book early if…you have a particular destination in mind and don’t want to risk waiting for a last-minute price slash which may never come
Book late if…you’re pretty flexible regarding where you are going to go and stay in the UK, be a cottage, hotel or camping
GENERAL THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
- Airport variations in price
Going abroad? Looking at the costs from your nearest airport of course makes sense but travelling to one further away could work out better. If you’re in London, it could be cheaper to fly out of Leeds or Liverpool (and they’re quieter than Stansted).
This is especially relevant to out of season bookings. London airports are always busy no matter what. Other ones around the country aren’t, so they want custom.
Do take into consideration your travel costs, and whether you would need to stay over the night before to see if it is worth it.
- Cheapest isn’t always the best value
A motto we live by here at Sensible Reviewer. Don’t immediately jump for the cheapest base rate offer you see on the comparison site.
Airlines and holiday companies always have extra costs involved. A holiday for £250pp but you have to pay to reserve your seat, to have luggage in the hold and for airport transfers and you’re only getting your breakfast, or one for £280pp where most if not all of that is included in the cost? I know which I’d pick, but the choice is up to you.
Always research the extra costs that airlines and operators tend to pile on you at the end of the transaction and total the costs up. Widening your base price search could work out better value.
- Sign up to email alerts
This doesn’t just apply to holiday companies/airlines, but also airports (think reduced price car parking/duty-free offers).
You’ll be first to know about any sales, especially just after flight itineraries are released. You may even get a ‘customer-only’ discount code in your inbox which gives you money off, or freebies such as in-flight meals. Always stay in the loop!
- Loyalty could pay
Already got a holiday coming up this year? At the end of the summer season, flights may dish out coupons on board or at the check-in desk, giving you money off discounts for your next trip.
This could be a certain amount off your next family holiday or a discount on a weekend break. The idea is that you are being rewarded for choosing them – and they want your custom again.
Sometimes there’s a time limit on when these have to be booked by, such as by Christmas. But could be worth it, especially if you’re able to make the most of the next point…
- Spread the cost
Booking a year in advance may see you being able to pay a small deposit now, and then spread the rest of the cost over the next few months up until ten weeks before departure. Which anyone will agree is better than suddenly forking out a large amount at the last minute.
Another benefit of booking early, especially if it is a big summer holiday with all the family
- Always research your destination if you’ve never been before!
Do your research and you’ll be surprised by the prices you come up with. There are always unsold package holidays to places most people would overlook too, and although they’re difficult for companies to sell this makes them prime targets for you.
Any country with recent bad-press tends to have reduced prices as well, but make sure you check out the Foreign Office Guidance for them before you book.
Have you got any other tips for people looking for the best time to book a holiday? If you do, let me know in the comments below or over on Facebook or Twitter and I’ll pop them in the post with a nice little credit to you.
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