Travel expert Gavin Lapidus has shared his advice on when holidaymakers should book their flights and accommodation in order to get the best deal, and it’s not always last minute

A travel expert has shed light on whether it’s more cost-effective to book holidays at the last minute or plan them in advance. While some trips are best enjoyed spontaneously, others require extensive planning.

Whether you’re an impulsive traveller or a meticulous planner, last-minute overseas trips can often save you a significant amount of money. But when does booking just a week or day before departure actually prove to be cost-effective?

Gavin Lapidus, company director at eShores, shared his insights with The Mirror, cautioning against relying solely on last-minute deals for budget-friendly getaways.

He advised: “Always book as far in advance as possible. While there are occasionally good last-minute deals on flights and holidays, it’s very dependent on how many seats are left on a flight.”

He added: “There may be none, or demand may be high, so prices can spike closer to the date of travel and you can end up paying more. Last-minute deals can be great for booking cheap, impromptu trips, but relying on them for a planned holiday is a huge risk that no travel agent would recommend.”

However, he did note that there are certain occasions when last-minute bookings can be beneficial.

Gavin suggests that, as a general rule, short-haul flights within Europe should be booked two to three months in advance to secure the best prices. For long-haul flights to destinations like America or Asia, booking four to six months ahead is recommended.

If you’re planning to travel during peak periods such as Christmas or summer holidays, it’s advisable to book six to 12 months in advance as prices tend to increase closer to the departure date. However, if you’re travelling off-peak, you might still find good deals a few weeks before departure, but it’s usually safest to book at least a month ahead.

Gavin added: “While airlines use dynamic pricing, studies suggest that midweek bookings, on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, often yield lower fares, as airlines release deals after the weekend rush.”

Regarding the best time of day to book, Gavin noted that prices can vary, but “early mornings or late at night may be better times to book, as fewer people are searching”. And the best days of the week to fly for cheaper fares?

“Flights departing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays tend to be cheaper than those on Fridays or Sundays, as fewer people travel midweek,” he advised.