A travel expert has shared the best times to book holidays to save money. Andrea Knowles, a budgeting expert at vouchers.co.uk, advises booking package holidays on Mondays, as former Thomas Cook insiders revealed prices are often dropped then to attract weekend shoppers who didn't complete a booking.
For flights, Knowles recommends booking 56 days in advance, based on an analysis of 13.2 billion prices across 100 routes by travel search engine Momondo. She also suggests using Google Flights with the 'carry-on bag' option to see true prices, as many airlines now charge for cabin luggage.
Accommodation should be prioritised over flights, as it is typically the most expensive cost. Knowles advises booking self-catering apartments with a washing machine and kitchen to save on luggage and dining costs. Airbnb allows filtering for these features.
For cruises, Knowles cites research from Cruise Critic indicating that booking on a Thursday tends to secure the best deals, as prices often drop mid-week. She also warns to clear browser cookies before booking, as travel websites may increase prices based on browsing history.
Finally, Knowles recommends paying for holidays over £100 with a credit card for added protection. These tips aim to help travellers secure the best bargains.
