Usually after the festive season many of us in the UK start to think of getting away for a break to warmer or sunnier climates and if your not thinking about it you will notice adverts for holidays appearing everywhere.
So when is the best time to book your holiday? If you can book well in advance there's always a good chance you'll save money. But with many of my readers having new businesses you can't always plan when in the year ahead will be best for you to take a break, so a last minute break may be the best, (and cheapest) option for you. But when is best to book and when isn't?
I have had a look at previous years trends and I can show you the results, as each year is different (and this year we have be warned less holidays will be provided by holiday companies) I will provide you with an insight on when is usually the best time to go and where as well!
(I would however advise that although times may be tough when first starting up a business it is important to plan a break, the last thing you want to do is burn out due to becoming a workaholic!)
As a rule if there is a big event in the annual calendar then you need to book well in advance for prime travel times, for example Thursday and Friday train travel is busy every bank holiday. And if you want a good family package holiday choice then book early and don't expect to save very much if anything.
But if you can be flexible by a couple of days for trains and ferries or take a package family holiday outside of peak times then great savings can be made.
January
After the busy end of the year we all have to get back into the regular swing of things. This time of year gym memberships rise and holiday adverts appear. Basically most of us would love to book a holiday to escape the grey skies and the travel companies are fully aware of this.
January is a gold mine time for travel agents, and many of us book in advance for later in the year as the choice is massive. However not many of us actually go on holiday in January. Probably this is due to lack of finance however it is the same pretty much world wide so it is a great time for last minute holidays nearer the equator. Skiing holidays and European city breaks are very cheap for last minute booking. If you want to get away in January (and if you can find the cash) you will save a bundle. So maybe for next Christmas rather than a gift why not save your money and escape in this month.
February
Love is n the air in February and many take a romantic break during this time, half term in the UK usually falls mid February and the combination of the two means a busy time for travel.
Not much savings to be had in February unless you can go at the start or end of the month. Some great last minute ski deals can be snapped up if that's your cup of tea.
March
The ski deals can still be found with great last minute low prices at the start of march.
Not really great time for travel as a rule and because of this you may pick up a great last minute deal to pretty much anywhere. If you don't mind rolling the dice then you just might get the deal of your dreams this year (2014) in the month of March.
April
If you havn't pre-booked a holiday then by April then you will be thinking about a holiday. Why? Well Easter falls in this month and many of us escape with the children (that have another break from their busy studying schedules!!!!)
If your bank account can afford it then a last minute escape to the Caribbean is a must! (I wish!) however more realistically for the majority of us is a trip to the Mediteranean which is beginning to warm up nicely. If you can avoid the peak half term and easter times then you can bag a great last minute deal.
May
With a bank holiday at the start and end of the month savings are hard to find unless you can go mid-month, where bargains yet again to the Mediterranean will be easy to find.
You'll get a good choice and cheaper rate if you book early for Mid May and if you can wait to last minute you may just get the best bargains of the year at this time.
June
Prices begin to rise in June as the travel agents are aware that many of us book early to try to get a deal, but if you don't mind waiting then you could save massively if staying in the UK or traveling within Europe.
(Remember many Med and North African destination are classed as 'Europe' for many travel agents. So if you like it hot, but not expensive, then hold out for the last minute deals.
July
Prices for early bookings show that during July the cost of a holiday increases steadily towards the school holidays towards the end of the month. When the kids break up prices are at a premium so avoid if possible. Although you can still get last minute deals that will be cheaper you will have very little choice as to where you will be going and travel times will be poor.
Many Brits head to Europe via a ferry crossing, which could well save you a little, but be warned it may be best to avoid a France stay if you are looking for a saving and keep driving to one of Frances neighbors for a better saving.
August
A very similar picture to July however August features a bank holiday (25th this year (2014)). This means nightmare road and travel in the UK, but the bank holiday usually signifies a reduction in the cost of package holidays compared to July and the start of August.
If you can wait until after the bank holiday and go last minute on Tuesday or Wednesday then you will get a good saving.
September
Prices climb again to premium rates once again. Not many last minute deals to be had and if they are available there probably is a reason why, so you have been warned! If you want to get away in September expect it's going to cost, I say book early and go to the place you really want to.
October
The UK gets colder and so does Europe. The further South the better for guaranteed warmth. Early bookings for the first week in October will save you money and you will get great choice. Amazing last minute deals in the first week can be had, but you might get the same weather at these destinations that you get at home, still a break away is still great even if it's not the weather you really wished for.
Schools break up again towards the end of this month and prices rise in relation to this. Gamble for a last minute deal over the school holidays at your peril as many holiday resorts close at this time as well.
November
If you want warmth it's a great time to head to the equator areas and again the Caribbean. Whether you book early or last minute it's the time to head that direction. Once the 5th (bonfire night) and weekends either side of it are out of the way the price of your holiday will tumble. Thoughts of Christmas (and the expense) play on most of our minds so great deals to any destinations can be found.
December
Last minute deals are available, but I think a better choice available in November. This is the best time to book for any sporting event or popular trip for the following year. Family holidays for the year ahead are available and great choice and some deals to be had if you can find the extra cash that is!
Conclusion
I have had a good look and throughout the year fuel is going to cost you, which sounds obvious, but after getting to your destination it might shock you just how cheap the accommodation is. So the closer to home the cheaper the holiday (especially with all inclusive).
If you don't mind reduced destination, board and star rating choice then book last minute and you will save. Whether you book early or late the months of May and October have great deals. Avoid any public holidays and school break ups for a cheaper holiday.......this includes the destination you are going to so if you fancy a break in France or Germany make sure their schools are in term to get a saving.
Holiday companies did suggest that less holiday packages would be available for 2014, but if there is a demand they will supply, and once they decide they are going to provide a holiday they will want there hotel and flight as booked up as possible so last minute deals will be available. Holding out for a deal in 2014 is the way to save big! Good luck and happy holidays! :)
