Who doesn't love a great holiday deal? Whether you're the early bird planner or the last month thrill seeker, there's smart ways to save. And, we're here to help you find them!
Our guide reveals the best time to book—like certain days or months that could offer you bigger discounts. We'll also show you why getting travel insurance early can make your trip even smoother.
So, ready to find your perfect deal? Just keep reading.
When's the cheapest time to book a holiday?
There's no 'one-size-fits-all' answer here—holidays prices can change by the day or even by the hour!
But, don't worry, there's a few smart strategies you can use to try and find the most affordable deals.
How far in advance should I book my holiday?
Generally, you should book your holiday as far in advance as possible.
Expedia's 2024 Travel Hacks report says you should book a holiday:
- At least a month in advance for domestic flights. This can save up to 24%, on average.
- At least 60 days in advance for international flights. This can save up to 10%, on average.
Recent research by Which also found that booking early could lead to some seriously good savings. For instance, a week in Portugal was £176 cheaper when holidaymakers booked it 8 months in advance compared to just a 2 weeks before departure.
Summer trips to Italy averaged £140 in savings when people booked it early. While dreamy Sicily offered a potential saving of £340. Not bad, right?
Oh, and if you are thinking about booking a trip in advance, you're not the only one. 29% of people book their getaway earlier in the year so they have something to look forward to*. That's nearly a third of holiday goers!
*Research carried out by One Poll on behalf of Confused.com of 2,000 UK adults who plan to go on holiday in the next 3 years, between 23 and 30 December 2024.
What's the best month to book a holiday for?
Off-season months are usually where you can find the best deals. On the other hand, the summer holidays can bring price spikes. So, if your schedule is flexible, look at booking during the quieter months like October. This is when kids head back to school, so prices for flights and hotels can drop.
Rather get away in the warmer months? It could be busy! September is gearing up to be the most popular month of 2025 for holidays, closely followed by June*. So, if you want to soak up the sun with less crowds to deal with, May or July could be good months to consider.
If you're thinking about heading somewhere international, a report from Skyscanner suggests these budget-friendly months for hotels rates:
- July - Around 9% cheaper than average
- April - Around 8% cheaper than average
What day of the week should I book my holiday?
Expedia's report says that you should book your holiday on a Sunday, which could save you on average around:
- 6% on domestic flights
- 13% on international flights
When's the cheapest day to travel?
Choosing the right day to travel can also help you save. Though it can vary based on where you're going and when.
If you're looking for a bargain, midweek flights might be worth a look instead of on the weekend. This can be handy during breaks like Easter or the summer holidays when the kids are off school.
The Expedia report states that Sunday is often the cheapest day to fly. And, if you can, travel before 3pm. By doing so, it can lower the chance of experiencing any delays or cancellations. Meanwhile, Skyscanner's report revealed that booking an international hotel on a Thursday could save you around 6% compared to average prices.
Top tip: When using a holiday comparison site to hunt for deals, try checking prices on different days of the week. You might spot a cheaper deal for the exact same package, just on a different day!
Can I still find a cheap last minute deal?
It's possible! But, you might find that you're limited on:
- The destinations you can go
- The dates available
According to Which, last-minute package holidays tend to be the most expensive during school summer holidays. Although, from September onwards, the deals tend to be much cheaper. So, there's always the possibility of getting a holiday for a great price. But, it might just mean you need to be more flexible in where you visit and when.
And, speaking of package holidays—an all-inclusive deal might help you save some money, too. Depending on where you're going and when, eating your meals in the hotel could work out cheaper than eating out. It's worth checking local restaurant prices to see if an all-inclusive stay could be the more budget-friendly choice!
Top tip: If you do snag a deal, don't forget about insurance. Last minute travel insurance is worth looking into.
When's the best time to buy travel insurance?
It's a good idea to think about buying travel insurance right after booking your holiday. More than 1 in 7* holidaymakers don't plan to take out a policy at all, but getting covered is definitely worth thinking about.
By doing so, you'll make sure your holiday is covered from the moment you buy the policy all the way until you come home. Your travel insurance policy should include cancellation cover, which can cover you if you have to cancel your trip before it starts.
This could be due to:
- An accident
- An illness
- A bereavement
- If you've been made redundant and can no longer afford the trip
Most insurers offer between £1,000 and £5,000 worth of cover for cancelled trips. But, just check your policy details to be sure of what you're getting.
And, just a head's up—if your holiday is covered by ATOL protection, you'll only be covered if your holiday provider goes bust. But that'll only apply if you've got a package holiday. So, it's best to look into securing a policy as soon as you can. Travel insurance can cover you for a variety of situations, so you should be protected if the unexpected happens.
"You should think about getting your travel insurance as soon as you've booked your holiday. When you compare travel insurance quotes with us, you can get cover for up to 18 months in advance. That should give you peace of mind that if anything happens before your trip, you'll be covered."
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