When to book a trip?
Planning a vacation is an adventure in itself, and choosing the right time to book can make all the difference in terms of budget, choice of accommodation and other benefits. So when should you book a trip? Early or last minute? In this article, we give you all our advice on how to book your vacation at the best time and save money as well as enjoy other benefits.
Book your trip in advance for the best choice of accommodation
If you have very specific criteria when it comes to vacation accommodation, booking early is often the key to getting the best choice. Whether it's a private villa, luxury hotel or quaint apartment, the most popular options tend to go quickly. Booking your trip in advance will increase your chances of finding the ideal accommodation, especially if you're traveling in high season. 6 months in advance would be ideal.
Stay flexible to benefit from last-minute travel offers
If you're flexible about your travel dates and even your destination, last-minute offers can be very attractive. Many airlines, travel agencies and hotels offer discounted fares to fill the places they have left. If you're in the mood for adventure and discovery, but don't really want to plan your vacation, last-minute deals can offer you some... unexpected opportunities!
Avoid high season to save on your travel budget
High-season vacations, such as school vacations and public holidays, are bound to drive up prices as demand increases. While you can, plan your trips outside these periods to get lower prices but also enjoy your stay with fewer tourists on site. Whether it's airfares, accommodation or tourist attractions, they'll be lower, and you'll be able to make considerable savings!
>> Calculate your next trip's insurance premium <<
Set up price alerts and consult comparisons before booking your trip
Online tools such as price alerts and travel comparison sites are your best allies for finding the best deals. Sign up for flight and accommodation alerts, to be informed as soon as there's a price drop. On Google Flights, for example, you can follow the evolution of the price of a plane ticket and create an alert that will send you an email as soon as the fare changes. You can also use comparators to quickly see the different options available, making it easier to decide before you book your trip.
Take advantage of promotions and sales to book your trip
Seasonal promos, flash sales, Black Friday and other special sales are perfect times to book your vacation. Watch out for these periods to get the best rates, as many companies offer significant discounts during these periods, which will enable you to make substantial savings.
Timing is everything when it comes to booking your vacation. Should you book in advance or last minute? Ultimately, it depends on how you travel and plan your trips, your budget, your organization, the destinations you dream of... So let the adventure begin now!
