Ticket experts have pinpointed the ideal date to pin down a cheap last-minute festive retreat – and it’s closer than you think. With Christmas rapidly approaching, bargain-hunting families are searching for affordable trips to escape the cold weather without breaking the bank.

Experts from AttractionTickets.com suggest an opportune booking period still lies within grasp, promising budget prices on dreamy December vacations, reports Wales Online.

For those eyeing sights like Universal Orlando Resort or the enchanting Disneyland Paris, earmark your calendars for anywhere between 8th and 15th December, with Sunday reservations looking particularly alluring.

AttractionTickets.com’s insights reveal a neat trick for further savings, which is to fly out on a Friday as it may slash your fares by up to 26%.

Oliver Brendon, who helms the company, shares a little industry secret: “Contrary to what many travellers believe, industry data suggests that booking flights within a window of eight to 23 days before departure can offer some of the most competitive prices for international travel.

“Especially when it comes to places like Florida. We also know through historical external data that travellers can sometimes save up to 24% on flights if they book them on a Sunday, particularly within this 8 to 23-day window.”

He added: “Following this eight to 23-days prior to travel formula, and honing in on the Sunday bookings and Friday flights rule, we can already identify that the best dates to book a last-minute Christmas holiday are 8th and 15th of December. And flying on either the 13th or 20th December.”

The expert enthused: “In my experience, prices at Christmas almost always tend to spike the week before, so you can avoid this by making sure you book ahead of 17th December. Remember, it’s a risk to book things last-minute, so opt for using ticketing sites with fixed pricing models like ours and always do your research to get the best deals.”

For those forward-thinking travellers eyeing a getaway in 2025, insights by industry veterans suggest booking early could save you a pretty penny. White House Glamping expert Richard Edwards has shared the prime time to lock down your holidays for 2025, promising considerable savings. Richard implores Brits to start holiday hunting and nose-dive into deal hunting after Christmas. 

The best time to book a Christmas holiday depends on your travel preferences and destination, but here are some tips to consider:

• Book early: For the best rates, try to book at least two to three months in advance for popular destinations. If you’re travelling during peak season or to a special event, you should book six months or more in advance. 
• Consider flying on less popular days: Flights on less popular days around the holiday can be more cost-effective. For example, flying on December 20th or 21st can be cheaper than travelling closer to Christmas. 
• Monitor prices: Monitor prices proactively to get notified of great deals. 
• Consider late deals: Late specialist travel agents can sometimes offer real bargains. 
• Haggle: The same holiday can have different prices for different agents. 
• Fly on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day: If you don’t mind spending part of your holiday in the air, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the best days to fly. Airport crowds are light on these days.