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Best times to book a holiday revealed

Kit Klarenberg
Written By:
Kit Klarenberg
Posted:
Updated:
21/02/2024

New research released by KAYAK reveals the best times to book a holiday. The firm believes travellers could save considerable amounts of money by booking at the right time.

Most regions: book at least three months in advance

For the majority of long-distance trips, planning is required well in advance. Travellers from the UK will save the most money if they make their online booking seven months in advance for Asia, while the most attractive prices for can be found around five months in advance for South America and the Middle East, four months in advance for the Caribbean and three months in advance for Central America and the South Pacific.

Africa, Europe and North America: leave your booking until later

KAYAK’s analysis shows it’s best to wait until just two months before taking off for Africa. Even less planning is required for travel within Europe, with optimal prices found around one month in advance. The standout destination for spontaneous travel is North America, with best prices just two weeks prior to departure.

When to book the best fares

Region Time before travel
North America 2 weeks
Central America 3 months
Africa 2 months
Asia 7 months
Caribbean 4 months
Europe 1 month
South America 5 months
Middle East 5 months
South Pacific 3 months

As well as analysing the best possible time to book in advance, KAYAK also determined the best days of the week for cheap travel.

Region Depart Return
North America Wednesday Tuesday
Central America Thursday Tuesday
Africa Monday Thursday
Asia Tuesday Tuesday
Caribbean Thursday Thursday
Europe Thursday Sunday
South America Thursday Monday
Middle East Wednesday Monday
South Pacific Tuesday Wednesday

Weekend trips within Europe cheaper on average

While travelling at weekends is generally more expensive, a fortunate exception exists for long weekends within Europe. Here, the best combination is departing on Thursday and returning on Sunday, just in time for the beginning of a new week.

 


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