When is the best time to book?

shjo558

Hi,

I'm booking my 2 weeks annual leave in June this year and will be booking a week in the sun somewhere (anywhere!).

As I don't mind where the destination is, do you think it's better to wait until nearer the time to book or do the prices go up as the months go on?

apt

The prices go up for those holidays/flights where bookings are strong, but there will be lower prices where bookings are lower than expected. You aren't travelling in the summer holidays so should be able to get a cheaper package by booking a few weeks in advance. If you are booking flight and hotel separately you need to keep looking at flight prices until you find a deal you like.

shjo558

I'll be booking a package holiday with the likes of Thomson or Thomas Cook as I'm a bit nervous of booking with smaller companies just in case something goes wrong.

I must say I'm excited at the prospect of missing the school holiday months now that DS is 16 and will be leaving school at the end of this year to go to college so I can get away before the mad rush and hopefully save some cash at the same time:D.

HXDave

if you dont actually mind where you go, and can be a little flexible on departure dates, then at that time of year you could well be better off leaving it late to book, however as in life there are no gaurantee's. All it takes is one medium sized company / airline to go bust just about the time you are ready to book, and then everything will shoot up in price as people try to book alternative holidays. Similary (although less likely these days), another volcanic eruption bringing europe to a standstill will again force prices up as people struggle to re-book.

HXDave