When Is a Good Time to Book Your Holiday?

Some deals are brilliant. Some are designed to panic you into clicking. And when it comes to holidays, especially next summer, it’s easy to wonder - “Is it too early to book? Should I wait for a better deal?”

Here’s my honest, experience-based advice after 30+ years in travel:

✅ Book as early as you can
🤝 And tell  me, your Travel Agent, your plans ahead of time

Let me share why.

If You Travel in Peak Times… Don’t Wait

Families tied to school holidays, couples with set annual leave, teachers, anyone travelling over Easter, Christmas or bank holiday weekends — this part is for you.

Waiting for a “last-minute bargain” for peak season rarely ends well. Booking early means you get:

• Decent flight times (not the 5am departure followed by 11pm return!)
• A choice of hotels and room types
• The cruise cabin you actually want

 

“But I Can’t Pay for it Yet…”

This is the bit many people don’t realise: You don’t always need to pay the whole amount upfront. Most holidays can be secured with a deposit, particularly if you book through a travel agent, with the balance due much later.

Booking early locks it in, spreads the cost, and takes the financial pressure off. Your future self will thank you.

 

The Big One to Book Early: Cruises

Cruise lovers already know this, but if you’re new to cruising, take note. Most cruise lines release their itineraries 18–24 months in advance. Now, if you’re not the “book-two-years-ahead” type, I get it — that can feel very organised. But early bookers get the best choice of cabins (and the best located ones).

That said, if you’re travelling on a medium or large ship, there’s usually still space closer to the time - you just might need to be flexible with cabin type and location.

But there is an exception - Smaller cruises  eg European River Cruises or expedition cruises.  These are smaller vessels with limited space, and they really do go early particular in the peak season.

 

If You’re Flexible — Last Minute Can Be Magical

If you:

• Don’t have fixed dates
• Don’t mind where you go

• Have not set expectations
• Can travel outside peak times

…then last-minute booking can reward you with a lovely surprise — and a great deal.

I’ve booked some brilliant spontaneous trips at the last minute. I was flexible on dates, destination, style of accommodation and trip length — and I ended up in destination  I’d never even thought of visiting. And I loved it.  If that sounds like your vibe, waiting might just lead you somewhere unexpected (in the best way).

 

Why Your Travel Agent Should Be Your Travel Buddy

If you have a “future dream trip” in mind — even if it’s 2 years away — tell me.  Not only do I  know what deals are out there, but I can also compare them for you and help you choose the one that’s genuinely best for you.

As your Travel Agent,  if I know your plans, I can keep an eye out for the right moment to book - whether that’s a Black Friday deal, early bird pricing, a rare special, or a new hotel opening.

If you’re ready to book - fantastic! Lock it in and enjoy the best part: the countdown, the planning, the excitement.  If you’re not ready yet, that’s okay too. Share your future travel dreams with me, and I’ll keep an eye on the best time to book.