Book your holiday on this weekday to get best deals, claim travel experts
If you're already thinking about your next holiday, you're not alone. Last Saturday, January 4, was billed as Sunshine Saturday by travel agents who saw a surge in bookings.
And experts have revealed that timing is everything when it comes to booking a trip abroad. While some will have already signed on the dotted line and are dreaming of jetting off to sunnier climes, there are certain days when it's better to book if you're looking for a bargain.
And the advice from those in the know is to book on a Tuesday for the best deals. This is because many airlines, hotels, and rental companies release their special offers and promotional deals at the beginning of the week, typically on Monday evenings or Tuesday mornings.
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One reason for this is that most people start planning their trips on weekends, and by Monday, they have a better idea of when and where they want to travel. To attract these potential customers, airlines and hotels sometimes release discounted rates.
“Airlines specifically use revenue management systems that analyse demand and adjust prices accordingly,” explains Fred Harrington, CEO at Coupon Mister. “These systems typically run on Mondays and Tuesdays, so the lowest fares are often released early in the week and disappear quickly as more people book.”
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However, Wednesdays and Thursdays can have lower demand too so it is worth looking at these days to book as well. Surprisingly, it's not always a good idea to book too early.
Going too early can mean limited availability as airlines and hotels manage their inventory and release seats and rooms in batches. This means that you may not have access to the best deals if you book too early, as these may not have been released yet.
Harrington also warned: “It’s not uncommon for travel plans to change, especially if you’re booking far in advance. You may receive a job offer, a family emergency may arise, or you may simply change your mind about the destination. In such cases, you may not be able to get a refund or make any changes to your booking if you’ve booked too far in advance.”
Booking domestic travel one to two months before you plan to go is the best timing and the 'sweet spot' to grab the best deals. Airlines will have released their schedules but not started to increase their prices for last-minute bookings.
For international travel however, it is best to look at booking up three to six months in advance. Harrington explained: " The 3-6 months window is again considered the sweet spot because the prices are often at their lowest during this time.”
Harrington added: “The key to booking a great vacation in 2025 is to book at specific times, be flexible with your travel dates, and take advantage of possible discounts and deals. By considering these best times to book a vacation, you can save money and have an amazing experience without breaking the bank.
“It will take a bit of time and effort to do the research, but it’s well worth it to have the peace of mind while on vacation. Knowing you can comfortably afford a vacation makes it all that more enjoyable.”
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