Booking late for a summer holiday

Philip624

I have been reading the guide which recommends that for the cheapest package deals you should book as late as possible, i.e. 8 to 10 weeks before departure if you are not fussy about locations.

I just wondered if anyone here regularly does this and whether the savings are much greater? Would be looking for something around mid-August which would mean booking in early June.

richardw

Demand may get in the way for August, with just the rubbish holidays left that you wouldn't want to go on.

You may be better just booking a holiday that's good vfm that you actually want to go on.

breathabbott

Where you plan to visit for summer vacation.

stephb34

Depends if you fancy Turkey, Egypt, Bulgaria.
Last summer Spain and Greece pretty much sold out and appear to be doing the same this year. Have you checked to see if there's any good deals at the moment. What will you do if there's nothing left / cheap when it gets to June, if your not bothered whether you go on holiday or not then leave it till then.

ibizafan_2

There's nowhere near the amount of last minute deals that there used to be, as main tour operators have reduced their capacity in a lot of places. You might get something reasonable on a late booking, but I would never take the chance myself. Mind you, I do a lot of research on places and hotels, and don't want any nasty surprises.

EconomicsGirl

We've booked late in the past and not had any problems. Can bring price down but some places get booked out so if there's a certain one you are after monitor more closely. Beware though as exchange rate movements might not be in our favour with Brexit etc! There are plenty of options last minute you just need a bit of imagination like we booked in June and went to Finland to see Brown bears in the wild in July. Have booked a package holiday in February and price didn't go down after we booked. Booked on previously to South Africa early and exchange rate moved 30 percent or so after we booked so saved that by booking early. Not really convinced booking late will save you money this year.

ARandomMiser

We generally book our main holiday at least a year in advance and our second holiday at the last minute. Keep an eye on the prices, especially starting at the 12 week mark (when final payments are meant to be in).

Last year we got a last minute deal to Rhodes and managed to not only get a great hotel but also an upgrade to one of their best sea view rooms. We had been watching this particular hotel for several weeks beforehand and we saved about £150pp based on the price of a standard room.

However, two things to keep in mind.
1. you may have to compromise and take your second choice of hotel, resort or dates
2. Do you homework in advance and get a list of resorts and hotels that you like and also have 'agreement in principle' from your employer for the dates you would like - when the bargains come up they can be snapped up in an instant