package holiday deals seem to be going up in price the later I leave it!

jemmaworth

Hi,
I've been looking to book a beach package holiday in Europe starting around the week of the 25th June for a week. We'd like to go to the canary islands, especially Lanzarote but are open to most places. For about 6 months, I've been looking at the prices roughly weekly. In the past 4/6 weeks on sites like Thomas Cook/Monarch Holidays they seem to be going up in price! Holidays that were £280 last week are now £330/50. Not really sure what the best thing to do it - should I wait and hope they'll go down at the 6 week mark (when they become officially 'late deals' according to the main travel agents) or book now?
Thanks in advance for your help moneysavers

HXDave

Hi Jemma,

unfortunately, there is no precise answer to give you on this one. The prices may well continue to increase right upuntil the day you plan to travel, in whicj case you would be better to book now. However the prices may just tumble at last minute, in which case you would be better leaving things until later. The honest truth is, no one knows whats going to happen.

If you are flexible on dates, and openminded as to where you want to go, you may well be better holding out for a late booking, however be prepared to either end up paying more money than you expected, or not going at all.

HXDave

jemmaworth

HXDave wrote: »

Hi Jemma,

unfortunately, there is no precise answer to give you on this one. The prices may well continue to increase right upuntil the day you plan to travel, in whicj case you would be better to book now. However the prices may just tumble at last minute, in which case you would be better leaving things until later. The honest truth is, no one knows whats going to happen.

If you are flexible on dates, and openminded as to where you want to go, you may well be better holding out for a late booking, however be prepared to either end up paying more money than you expected, or not going at all.

HXDave

Thanks for your help, I just wondered if there was a general trend at the moment perhaps that people had noticed? Or if this trend of them increasing 7 weeks before always happens? I realise it's not an absolute rule

gregg1

jemmaworth wrote: »

Thanks for your help, I just wondered if there was a general trend at the moment perhaps that people had noticed? Or if this trend of them increasing 7 weeks before always happens? I realise it's not an absolute rule

I have also noticed this. We have been looking at a holiday over the course of the last 2 or 3 months and could not decide whether to book or not.

However, I have been getting quotes every few weeks and the price has gone up a couple of hundred pounds each time with the price now standing at £400 more than it was just before Easter.

Normally, the price for this holiday goes down the nearer to the departure date you get.

HXDave

gregg1 wrote: »

I have also noticed this. We have been looking at a holiday over the course of the last 2 or 3 months and could not decide whether to book or not.

However, I have been getting quotes every few weeks and the price has gone up a couple of hundred pounds each time with the price now standing at £400 more than it was just before Easter.

Normally, the price for this holiday goes down the nearer to the departure date you get.

Thats the trouble Gregg. In days of old, prices did go down at last minute, but alas things have changed, and all works on supply & demand now.

HXDave

stephb34

The weather in this country will also affect the price of holidays. If it stays wet and cold like this then there will be more demand for holidays abroad, if it gets warmer here people may holiday in this country.
Thomas cook have guaranteed 10% off their own hols for may, june and early july until thursday so they may go up after that. TC have cut capacity by 10% for this year so there will be a lot less to sell than last year anyway.
The thing is if you see a price you like book it unless you're happy to pay more if it goes up in price or not go at all if it sells out. Another factor will be the european championships if england get knocked out in the first round people may rush out and book a holiday, the longer they stay in the competition will have an effect on bookings.

withabix

Holiday prices approaching the departure date are largely driven by the flight price.

Hotel prices tend to be fixed by calendar periods. Offers aren't that common and the 'special offer' price is usually available on some booking engines all the time anyway...

Have a look at the flight-only price for the holiday dates you are looking at and the days either side. This may inform you a bit.

There are a lot fewer flights to the Canaries than there were a few years ago.

sally06

jemmaworth, I too have been watching the price of holidays over the last couple of months. Some holidays have gone up in price and some have gone down. I think it all depends on hotel availability and flight prices. In the past I have had some good deals 6/7 days before departure. But, I have also missed out on a holiday by waiting too long for the price to come down as it doesn't always work that way. I found an excellent deal yesterday with easyjetholidays. The same flight & hotel was much more expensive on all the other sites I looked on. The holiday is for end of may.

The only advice I can offer you is, if you spot a good deal, grab it before the price goes up as it may not come down again!

EDIT: there is a £20 off code for EJH on quidco and you get cashback too

numpy

Hi Sally06 could you tell me where abouts the holiday was and how much it was coming out at for 2 people on easyjetholidays please. My sister has asked me to try and find her a reasonably priced hol for end of May,( she has no computer at the mo).

redmalc

Hi guys,we are regular travellers and have noticed the trend of prices getting higher nearer the departure date,i have booked three holidays for the next year,some package and some seperate flight and hotels,already the trip to jamaica as increased by £420 for the two of us,i have found Tesco to be very competative on hotel prices,worth having a look

jemmaworth

Massive thanks everyone. Haven't yet worked out to technically 'thank' you on here though. Easyjet holidays turned out to be much better value than Thomas Cook. I'm booking it now - they've offered me the option to pay in full now or in two deposits. If I pay in deposits, will I get charged the debit/credit card surcharge each time or just once? Any advice on best way to pay is appreciated!