Published On: Fri, Feb 7th, 2025
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The best dates to book your last-minute February half-term holiday | Travel News | Travel

With February in full-swing and half-term fast approaching, many families are looking to book last-minute getaways without putting a strain on their wallets.

If you’re still on the hunt for a sweet deal, you might be in luck as the biggest discounts are not out yet, as according to travel experts, there’s still a sweet spot to secure affordable flights for those perfect family holidays.

Oliver Brendon, CEO of AttractionTickets.com, advised that booking flights within a specific time window can offer some of the most competitive prices for international travel.

He said: “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.”

Booking within this period can result in huge savings, and there’s even a specific time of the week that’s better for booking.

Brendon continued: “We also know through historical external data that travellers can sometimes save up to 24 percent on flights if they book them on a Sunday, particularly within this eight to 23-day window.”

According to Brendon, the prime days to finalise those last-minute plans for February half-term are Sunday, February 9th, or Sunday, February 16th.

These dates fall perfectly within that eight to 23-day window, making them optimal for finding more affordable family holiday bookings ahead of half-term, Brendon explained.

And while it may seem like a last-minute rush, Sundays are statistically the best days to book flights for discounts.

You’ll be able to take advantage of the sweet spot for savings, all while skipping the stress of last-minute price hikes.

For those already thinking about Easter holidays, Brendon has some advice to save some money while booking last-minute Easter trips too.

“In my experience, prices for Easter tend to rise sharply in the two weeks before, so you can avoid this by making sure you book ahead of 25th March,” said Brendon.

“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.”

Whether you’re eyeing a winter escape for February half-term or planning ahead for Easter, securing the best deal often comes down to the timing of your booking.

With a little research and strategic timing, you can score a great deal and create lasting memories without breaking the bank on your next getaway.