“I’m a Money Saving Expert: Book Your Summer Holiday Now for the Best Deals!”
British holidaymakers could save hundreds of pounds on their summer breaks by booking this month, according to a leading personal finance expert at Ocean Finance. As the nation battles through grey January days, savvy travellers are already locking in gorgeous getaways at bargain prices.
New data shows searches for package holidays hit their peak in January, with top destinations like Spain, Greece, and Portugal seeing the biggest surge in early bookings. Research from ABTA reveals that 68% of Brits are planning overseas holidays in 2025, with families particularly keen to secure school holiday slots.
“January is the sweet spot for holiday deals,” explains Fiona Peake. “Tour operators are desperate to fill their summer slots early, and they’re offering seriously tempting discounts to make it happen. We’re seeing savings of up to £400 per person compared to last-minute bookings.”
The money saving expert urges consumers to avoid last-minute bookings “Those super-cheap late offers we used to see have largely disappeared. Airlines and hotels have got smarter with their pricing, and they often hike rates as departure dates get closer.”
For families tied to school holiday dates, the message is even clearer. “If you need specific weeks in August, booking now is absolutely crucial. Those peak weeks sell out fast, and prices only go one way – up!”
Six Money-Saving Travel Tips
Use Comparison Sites: “Check package holidays against booking flights and hotels separately- sometimes packages can be cheaper and offer better protection. Always check airlines and hotels directly too; they often match prices or throw in extras. Booking through an ATOL-protected provider keeps your money safe if anything goes wrong.”
Be Flexible: “Travel midweek or to less popular destinations to save. Turkey and Bulgaria offer great value for 2025, with local prices up to 30% lower than traditional Mediterranean hotspots.”
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance: “Book travel insurance as soon as you’ve secured your holiday. It’ll cover you if something goes wrong before your trip. January is a good time to buy, as many insurers discount annual policies.”
Use a Credit Card: “Using a credit card to book your holiday can offer additional protection and flexibility. Purchases between £100 and £30,000 are covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, meaning you’re eligible for a refund if something goes wrong, such as a travel company going bust. Perks, like cashback or air miles, can also help cut costs. Just make sure to pay off the balance in full to avoid interest.”
Look for Low Deposit Offers: “Many travel companies allow you to secure holidays with deposits as low as £60 in January. It’s an easy way to spread the cost.”
Budget Early: “Once your holiday is booked, break down the total cost into monthly savings goals. A £2,000 trip would be £333 per month over six months. Plan for extras, like airport parking, early to avoid last-minute stress.”
