Smart booking secrets that could save you hundreds on your summer getaway
Planning a summer holiday shouldn’t mean battling through crowds or paying premium prices. Yet with Easter holidays approaching and families already mapping out their spring breaks, many are putting off booking their summer getaways – potentially missing out on the best deals.
“Many people don’t realise that spring is actually the sweet spot for summer holiday bookings,” explains Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away, a company dedicated to helping travellers avoid overpaying for their holidays. “While everyone else is focused on their Easter plans, you could be securing amazing summer deals that won’t be available in a few months.”
Below, Morwood shares her expert insights on the best dates to book your summer holiday, along with clever strategies to enjoy popular destinations without the usual crowds and costs.
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Book International Flights During the ‘Golden Window’
The perfect time to book international summer flights is between 3-6 months before departure. “For summer travel, April is your golden window,” says Morwood. “Our data shows that booking international flights in mid-April typically saves travellers between £200-£300 compared to booking in June.”
The best days to fly? “Book departures for Tuesday or Wednesday – these mid-week flights can be up to 20% cheaper than weekend departures,” Morwood advises.
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Time Your Hotel Bookings Right
Unlike flights, hotel prices often drop closer to your stay dates. “The sweet spot for summer hotel bookings is 3-4 weeks before your trip,” explains Morwood. “Many hotels release unsold rooms at reduced rates during this period.”
However, if you’re heading to popular beach destinations or major cities, book 2-3 months ahead. “Places like the Greek Islands or the Spanish Costa del Sol fill up quickly for July and August. Booking earlier not only guarantees availability but often comes with early bird discounts.”
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Target ‘Shoulder Season’ Dates
“The last two weeks of August and first week of September offer an incredible opportunity,” says Morwood. “You still get beautiful summer weather, but prices can drop by up to 30% compared to peak August rates.”
This timing works particularly well for Mediterranean destinations, where warm weather extends well into September, and you’ll find fewer families with school-age children.
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Look for ‘Dead Week’ Deals
Every summer has what travel insiders call ‘dead weeks’ – periods when bookings naturally dip. “The week of June 26th and the first week of July often see lower booking rates,” Morwood reveals. “These weeks fall between typical school holiday dates, making them perfect for travellers without children.”
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Book Activities at the Right Time
Don’t wait until you arrive to plan activities. “Book attractions and experiences about 2-3 weeks before your trip,” advises Morwood. “This is when tour operators often release extra slots or offer discounts to fill remaining spaces.”
For popular attractions, however, earlier is better. “If you’re planning to visit major theme parks or hoping to secure specific restaurant reservations, book these as soon as your flight is confirmed.”
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Monitor Prices Like a Pro
Set up price alerts now for your preferred destinations. “Start tracking prices even before you’re ready to book,” suggests Morwood. “This helps you recognise a good deal when you see one and understand typical price patterns for your chosen destination.”
Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away, commented:
“Travelers often fall into the trap of waiting until the last minute, hoping for better deals. But when it comes to summer holidays, being strategic about when you book different elements of your trip can save you hundreds of pounds while ensuring a more relaxing experience.
“The key is to think in layers – book your flights during spring’s golden window, target those quieter ‘dead weeks’ if you can travel then, and consider the advantages of late August or early September travel. By combining these strategies you’re saving money while also setting yourself up for a much more enjoyable holiday without the peak-season stress.
“Remember that enjoying a dream summer holiday doesn’t mean paying dream prices. A little planning and smart timing can transform an expensive peak-season scramble into a relaxed and affordable getaway.”