Travel experts have identified the best day in the month to book a cheap last-minute holiday for the upcoming half-term break. As families gear up for the October 26 to November 3 break, many are still on the lookout for affordable getaways. According to ticket experts, there is still a prime opportunity to grab great deals on flights and family holidays. The optimal date to secure these last-minute bookings for maximum savings has been pinpointed as October 13.
CEO of AttractionTickets.com, Oliver Brendon, explains that contrary to popular belief, booking flights within 8 to 23 days before departure can offer some of the most competitive prices for international travel. Historical data also shows that travellers can save up to 24% on flights booked on a Sunday within this window. With October 13 falling within this timeframe, it is deemed the ideal date to secure more affordable family holiday bookings ahead of the half-term break.
In addition to strategic booking days, there are specific days that are typically cheaper for flying. Research indicates that families departing on a Friday can save up to 26%, particularly when flying to popular destinations like Universal Orlando Resort or Disneyland Paris. Based on this data, Oliver recommends booking flights on October 13 and planning to fly on October 25, after school finishes.
Looking ahead to Christmas, experts suggest that the best dates to book a last-minute holiday are December 8 and 15, with optimal flying dates being December 13 or 20. It is advised to book before December 17 to avoid price spikes typically seen closer to Christmas. By planning ahead and utilising ticketing sites with fixed pricing models, travellers can ensure they secure the best deals for their festive getaways.