How to save money on booking your next holiday
Get ready to bag those bargain holidays! When it comes to those luxurious hotels and getting the best flights available, prices can totally change on the daily. But don’t worry, I've got some serious money-saving magic to share. And guess what? The day you decide to book that dreamy getaway plays a part too! So let's talk about how to save money on booking your next holiday.
Picture this: you, sipping on a cocktail with some extra cash to spare. Sounds amazing, right? If you time your booking just right, you could have more money to play with. All it takes is some strategic savings that'll keep your bank account happy! Keep reading and I’ll reveal all.
Finding the best day to book your flights is key
We’ve been doing some digging and research suggests that your best day to book flights before a holiday is actually a Sunday.
So, here's the deal: airlines and hotels are masters of mystery when it comes to price changes. But fear not, because the analysts over at Expedia have compiled holiday booking hacks for 2023 in association with the Airlines Reporting Corporation, revealing some tricks and tips on when to pounce for the best travel bargains.
According to Expedia’s research, Sunday is the cheapest day when it comes to booking international and domestic flights.
Making sure you choose the right day to book your next trip away could save you around 10% for international flights and 20% on domestic flights.
Ready for your next saving tip? Research has found that the best day to fly for any domestic flights is Saturday as it can save you up to 20%. For your international flights, if you fly on a Friday you could save an average of 15%.
To lower your risk of hitting delays, try and aim to book an early flight. According to Expedia’s research, departures before 11am are 11% less likely to be affected by any flight cancellations.
Tips on the best time to book your hotel
If you're planning your next trip to be in the UK, and you've already picked out your dream hotel deal. The best day to secure that deal is none other than Friday! According to Expedia's detailed holiday report back in 2022, booking your UK hotel on a Friday could slice a solid 5% off your bill. On the flip side, their research found Sunday to be the most expensive day.
When it comes to international holidays, booking a hotel on a Wednesday could save you 5% of your price, with Saturday being the most pricey day to book.
What day should you travel?
Don’t leave your trip till the last minute! Stay savvy and plan the day of the week you’d like to travel ahead of time as that can also help you save money on booking your next holiday. Of course, it all depends on where and when you’re looking to travel.
“If you’re looking for a bargain in school holidays, it’s worth looking out for cheaper midweek flights rather than travelling on a Saturday or Sunday, especially for Easter and summer holidays when children are off for more than a week at a time.”
TUI spokesperson
Ready for another tip? If you're plotting a domestic adventure, Saturday's your day to take flight. According to Expedia’s studies, you could be soaring through the skies with prices that are a jaw-dropping 20% lower!
If your heart's set on international horizons, Friday's your golden ticket. That's the day that could shave a whopping 15% off those flight costs.
When it comes to snagging the ultimate hotel steals, it's all about midweek bookings. Having a Monday as a starting point for your next UK hotel stay could save you a whopping 20% when compared to a Saturday. The same applies for any overseas trips, with a saving of 10% if you start your trip on a Monday. Definitely something to think about before you book the next family holiday.
When is the best time to book your next holiday
When it comes to timings, aim for the horizon and book ahead. Jack's Flight Club have crunched the numbers and suggest ideally booking between 6 weeks and 8 months in advance or as soon as flight details are released if possible.
And here's the juicy bit, Expedia's 2023 report recommends booking at least 2 months in advance to get the biggest savings on a domestic flight, you could get a holiday for up to 30% cheaper! For all of you who usually book 70-100 days before takeoff, here’s some news, you save much more when compared to those last minute bookers.
If you’re looking to take your next trip overseas with an international holiday, booking 4 months in advance can save you up to 20%, that’s a no brainer.
March is the most reliable month to travel, as it was the best month for avoiding those pesky delays, according to Expedia’s report. With July on average being the month with the highest amount of delays, let’s avoid that.
Booking in off-season wherever possible, to avoid school holiday price rises and higher demand, will bring you the most savings. Also avoiding booking your trip in the Summer months can help you save money on booking your next holiday, skipping the high demand for a well deserved break.
Booking during quieter months like September and October is where the big savings are at, with less competition for bookings and the kids being back at school, it’s a straight road to some super savings.
Last minute flights can always bring out some bargains, but be careful and make sure you get the best deal. Watch out for cheeky price rises from airlines who are looking to make the most of those of you looking for a last minute break.
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