Travelling in 2025? Here’s when to book for the best deals

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Looking at the query, the main topic is about whether January is the best time to book 2025 travel. The user included a lot of statistics from various travel companies, so the summary should highlight these key points without getting too bogged down in numbers.

I should consider the audience for this content. It’s probably travelers planning their next trips, so the tone needs to be approachable and helpful. They might be looking for advice on when to book to save money or secure their preferred options.

I need to break down the content into clear sections. Maybe start with an introduction about the surge in January bookings. Then discuss the record sales across companies, followed by whether early booking is advisable, the best times to book, avoiding crowds, and a conclusion.

Each heading should be catchy yet informative. Under each, I’ll summarize the main points, making sure to mention the companies and their findings. It’s important to balance between providing useful information and keeping it engaging.

I should also ensure that the language is accessible, avoiding jargon. For example, instead of just listing percentages, I’ll explain what they mean for the traveler. Maybe include tips or takeaways in each section to make it practical.

I need to watch the word count, keeping each paragraph around 333 words. That should be manageable by focusing on the most impactful data and insights. I’ll also make sure the flow is logical, guiding the reader from the trend to the advice on booking strategies.

Finally, I’ll proofread to ensure clarity and that each section transitions smoothly into the next. Keeping it conversational will help make the summary more relatable and useful for the readers planning their 2025 travels.
### The Surprising Surge in January Travel Bookings: Is Now the Best Time to Plan Your 2025 Getaway?

As the chill of winter grips Europe, residents are not just dreaming of sunny escapes—they’re actively booking them in record numbers. Travel agents and holiday companies have reported a significant surge in bookings during the first weeks of January, with the post-holiday period emerging as a hotspot for travel planning. Among the fizzy excitement, one day stood out: the first Saturday after the first full week of January, affectionately dubbed “Sunshine Saturday” by British travel agents. This year, it fell on the second weekend of January and saw a record-breaking wave of bookings. But does this mean the best deals are already snapped up, or is there still time to lock in your 2025 travel plans at a steal?

### Record Sales Across the Travel Industry: A Promising Start to 2025

The travel industry kicked off the new year with a bang, as multiple companies reported record-breaking sales over the weekend of “Sunshine Saturday.” Hays Travel, a leading tour operator, saw a remarkable 37% of its bookings come from new customers on Saturday and Sunday, signaling a strong appetite for travel. Jonathan Woodall-Johnson, Hays’ Chief Operating Officer, noted that travelers are prioritizing their annual holidays and spending slightly more than in previous years. Similarly, Hoseasons, a British self-catering provider, experienced a 19% spike in lodge and park bookings on January 12, with the only busier day in its history being the post-COVID lockdown rebound in 2021. Its sister brand, cottages.com, also enjoyed a record day, with spring break bookings rising by 25% year-on-year and a noticeable demand for properties with hot tubs.

Adventure travel is also in high demand, with Incredible Journeys, part of the Dnata Travel Group, recording its best-ever day for calls and bookings. Japan emerged as the fastest-growing destination, with bookings up by 80%, closely followed by Kenya and Sri Lanka. Across the Dnata Travel Group, which includes brands like Gold Medal, Pure Luxury, and Cruise Plus, all brands reported a record-breaking start to the year. Simon Applebaum, Managing Director of Dnata Travel Group, highlighted that web sales were up by 40% year-on-year, a promising sign for the industry.

### Should You Book Your 2025 Travel Early?

The data suggests that January is one of the best times to book your holiday, thanks to significant savings and added-value offers from operators, airlines, and cruise lines. Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel, noted that even in the first week of January, bookings surpassed last year’s demand, with summer 2025 being the most popular period. “Booking early means you’re more likely to get your first choice of accommodation,” she added. This sentiment is echoed by consumer company Which?, whose research revealed that booking a week-long holiday in Portugal eight months in advance could save around €200 compared to booking just two weeks before departure. Similar savings were found for holidays in Italy and Croatia.

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to booking. For some destinations, like the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, mainland Spain, and Turkey, booking in May could yield even better deals than booking in January. For Bulgaria and Cyprus, the cheapest prices were found just weeks before departure, likely because tour operators had overestimated demand for these destinations.

### The Best Time to Book Your 2025 Travel: What the Data Says

When it comes to package holidays, the eight-month rule seems to hold true, with the biggest average savings found for bookings made in December or January. Which? analyzed the prices of 24,000 package holidays and found that early birds tend to get the best deals. However, for unpackaged holidays, the strategy varies. For city breaks, starting your hotel stay on a Sunday could save you 7%, while avoiding Fridays, which tend to be 8% more expensive, is a good idea. Resort hotels and leisure stays, on the other hand, are cheapest when you arrive midweek, with Tuesdays offering up to a 4% discount compared to the average.

Flexibility can also pay off, as last-minute bookings sometimes unlock significant savings. “Hotel pricing doesn’t favour planners,” says Kayak, explaining that hotels often prefer to fill empty rooms rather than leave them unoccupied, even if it means dropping prices at the last minute. Booking platform VRBO recommends booking holiday homes in February, as over 70% of summer stays will be booked by April. Opting for “shoulder season” stays—just outside the peak season—can also help you enjoy good weather at a fraction of the cost. Longer stays, meanwhile, can attract a 10% discount.

For specific holidays, VRBO suggests booking Easter stays by January 20 and summer holidays by February 17, with a final cutoff of March 3 and April 28, respectively. These timings give you the best chance of securing your preferred accommodation at a reasonable price.

### When to Travel to Avoid the Crowds

If you’re looking to avoid the chaos of peak travel season, it’s worth planning your trips carefully. According to aviation intelligence company OAG, the busiest air travel days of the year almost always fall between July 20 and mid-August, with the second Friday in August being particularly congested. While flying on a Friday in early August doesn’t guarantee a stressful experience, it does increase the likelihood of long airport queues, delays, and cancellations. If flexibility is an option, consider traveling during the shoulder season or opting for less popular destinations to enjoy a more relaxed journey.

### Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Save Big, and Enjoy Your 2025 Adventure

The first weeks of January have proven to be a prime time for booking 2025 travel, with record-breaking sales and enticing deals across the industry. Whether you’re eyeing a sunny beach resort, a cozy cottage with a hot tub, or an adventure-filled journey to a far-flung destination, early booking can help you secure your first choice of accommodation and save money. However, it’s important to consider your destination and travel style when deciding the best time to book. For package holidays, the eight-month rule often yields the biggest savings, while unpackaged holidays may benefit from midweek arrivals or last-minute flexibility. And if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, steer clear of peak travel days in July and August.

By planning ahead, staying flexible, and taking advantage of the deals on offer, you can set yourself up for an unforgettable 2025 adventure. So why wait? Start exploring, comparing, and booking today to make your travel dreams a reality.