A travel expert has revealed the precise time of day when holidaymakers can secure the cheapest deals for their summer getaways, but it requires an early start. Rob Brooks, a travel influencer and employee at the travel company On the Beach, shared his insights on social media, warning that common booking habits could be costing consumers hundreds of pounds.
The Optimal Booking Window
In a recent video, Brooks highlighted three prevalent booking errors that many travellers make. He emphasised that timing plays a crucial role in determining the final cost of holidays. "I look through holiday bookings every single day, and I see these mistakes all the time," he stated, drawing from his daily experience in the travel industry.
Avoid Morning Bookings
Brooks identified booking holidays in the morning as the first major mistake. He explained that the period between 7am and 10am is particularly expensive due to high demand. "We see so many people book holidays between 7am and 10am in the morning. Often, that's people booking just before work, on the commute, or even at the desk with their first coffee," he noted.
He elaborated that this surge in activity drives up prices. "Not many people know it's actually one of the most expensive windows to book, because you've got loads of people searching at the same time. Everyone's had the same idea, which means demand spikes, flight prices spike too, and then package prices follow."
Best Times to Secure Deals
Instead, Brooks recommended booking in the evening or very early morning for better rates. "The best times to book are statistically in the evening, between 8pm and 10pm. And actually the very cheapest time to book is first thing in the morning, between 4am and 5am. But no one's setting their alarm for that habit," he revealed, acknowledging the inconvenience of such an early start.
Additional Booking Tips
Beyond timing, Brooks shared two more critical tips to help travellers save money. He advised against delaying when a good deal is found. "Don't forget, when you find a really good deal, it's very likely that someone else has found the same deal too. So waiting doesn't protect you; it usually just means that the best price then disappears," he cautioned.
He urged holidaymakers to act quickly: "When you find a holiday that you think is a really good price and you've checked it against other people, don't wait, just get it booked."
Flexibility with Dates
Finally, Brooks warned against being overly rigid with holiday dates. He suggested that minor adjustments could lead to significant savings. "Rob pointed out that switching your holiday from seven days to six days, for example, could make a big difference to the price," highlighting how flexibility can reduce costs without compromising the overall experience.
Brooks, known online as @Robonthebeach on TikTok, has built a substantial following by offering budget-friendly travel advice, hotel reviews, and holiday tips. His latest recommendations aim to empower consumers to make smarter booking decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses during the busy summer holiday season.
