As the British winter sets in, many residents are looking to escape the chill, either by seeking guaranteed sunshine or a picture-perfect snowy Christmas. New data from travel giant Expedia provides a crucial roadmap for these holiday plans, pinpointing the most and least expensive dates to travel.
Trending Destinations for Winter Sun and Snow
Brits are searching for winter breaks in record numbers, with several European destinations seeing a massive surge in interest. Leading the pack is Wrocław, Poland, with an incredible 195 per cent increase in search volume. It is closely followed by Bucharest, Romania, and Malta, both seeing a 115 per cent surge. For those preferring a domestic adventure, the UK is also home to trending spots. Fort William has seen a 145 per cent increase in interest, while the Welsh town of Tenby saw a 105 per cent rise, and historic Canterbury a 55 per cent uplift.
When to Book for the Best Flight Deals
Timing is everything when it comes to securing an affordable winter holiday. Expedia's analysis reveals clear patterns for savvy travellers. For international flights, the cheapest dates to fly are December 4 and 5. In contrast, you should try to avoid the most expensive dates, which are December 17 and 21.
For domestic travel within the UK, the bargain dates fall later in the season. The cheapest days to fly are February 3 and 26. If you want to avoid premium prices, steer clear of December 17 and January 3, which are the priciest for UK flights.
Maximising Your Savings on Accommodation and More
It's not just flights where you can save money. Accommodation prices also fluctuate significantly during the winter months. For a UK stay, booking on January 5 or 26 will likely yield the best prices, whereas December 28 and 29 are the most expensive. For international trips, aim to book your hotel for January 16 or February 2 for better rates, and avoid the costly dates of December 27 and February 14.
Melanie Fish, a spokesperson for Expedia Group, summarised the findings: 'The cheapest days to travel vary this winter, with the lowest international fares in early December and domestic bargains at the beginning and end of February.' She also offered a key piece of advice: 'Keep those time frames in mind to find the best deals, and don't forget to bundle your hotel and flight, and you could unlock more savings.'
To make the most of winter getaways, Expedia recommends using price alert tools. Holidaymakers can sign up for notifications that tell them when an airline drops ticket prices. Furthermore, keeping an eye on major sales events, such as Black Friday, is another excellent way to bag significant travel bargains.
