When to book holiday?

covphoenix

Hi, we are looking at going on a beach holiday next August. However some friends are telling us to book now and some people are saying wait till after christmas when there will be reductions in price. Does anyone have any experience on which is best to do? Also we're undecided on where to go, any recomendations appreciated (£600 per person budget).

Thank you in Advance :beer:

richardw

Depends how popular you think the holiday you want to go on is likely to be.

stephb34

December in the travel trade is as dead as a dodo, so the person serving you has more time for you and if you don't know exactly what you want you'll get more help and you can push for the best price as a sale is a sale. The next edition brochures will be out shortly can't quite remember when and prices will have risen, so therefore in January the sales will be on and you will get a good discount but the original price maybe more and if you don't know what you want the person serving you wont have as much time to help you. To give you some sort of idea as to what its like, in december you might sell 10 people a holiday in january its more like 300. The best guidline is if you like the price, its what you can afford and its what you want and your happy with it buy it, if not wait and see what happens.

HXDave

wholeheartedly agree with stephb34 above, she has got it spot on. yes, there are big discounts advertised in january (well, usually start straight after Xmas), however new edition brochures are out too, and chances are prices have risen to cover for the discounts. However, from the days when i worked for a major multiple, they all watch each other on discounts, and sometimes react instantly by increasing discounts to match other companies. unfortunately, that was in the day when you had the 'Big 4' (Thomson, Thomas Cook, Airtours, First Choice), who each had their own selling outlets (Thomson shops, Going Places, Thomas Cook shops & First Choice Hypermarkets). This has now diminished to the 'Titan 2' of Thomson & Thomas cook, so not quite sure how things will go.

Unfortunately, there is not a definitive answer as to when to book, but remember that there are less holidays available these days, not as much choice, and you are going at peak time. My advice would be the same as above, and if you see something you like now, at a price thats right, get it booked rather than waiting and missing out.

pinkstarsx

January is usually the best time to book, if you're not after something specific.
Most agents apply their biggest discounts at this time including airlines, and you can get a real bargain.
Be flexible with your dates and destination to get the best price!
Also some package holiday companies offer a lower deposit in January.
Alternatively if you see something you like, as said above & it's a price you're happy with, then don't hesitate and book rather than being disappointed if it goes up in price.