As January blues sink in and thoughts turn to this year’s travel plans, thousands of Brits (perhaps millions, even) will be planning to confirm dates with friends and loved ones.
From a sandy beach to a quaint city break, there’s nothing like escaping for a bit. However, you’ll want to get the best deal.
With that in mind, Vrbo has examined British holidaymakers’ booking habits and released its first-ever 2025 Holiday Booking Guide.
Packed with intel on how to beat the booking rush – and make savvy savings – this is the one-stop shop for booking holiday homes in 2025.
When you stay at a Vrbo, there’s no host to boss you around. pic.twitter.com/FLOAnQiVBK
— Vrbo (@vrbo) August 28, 2024
“It’s a mistake to treat holiday homes like hotels. With space for only one group at a time, there’s more competition to book homes, especially those with standout amenities in top locations,” says Melanie Fish, spokesperson for Vrbo.
“When you find that dream house – beachfront, game room, bunk beds, and a pool steps from the ocean – don’t wait. A week or two can make the difference between being just steps from the beach or on the other side of town.”
When is the best time to book a holiday?
Easter holidays
Best time to book: 20 January 2025
Book no later than: 3 March 2025
Summer holidays
Best time to book: 17 February 2025
Book no later than: 28 April 2025
October half term
Best time to book: 18 August 2025
Book no later than: 15 September 2025
Book Easter in January: 70% of holiday homes on Vrbo will be booked by March
Late January is Vrbo’s recommended time to book Easter trips. At this date, over half of homes should still be up for grabs. Be sure to have booked by early March when less than 30% of homes are expected to be available over the Easter break.
Book Summer beach trips in February: only 30% of homes will remain in April
Vrbo has identified mid-February – the start of February half-term week – as the best time to book summer trips when 50% of properties are still expected to be available on the site. By late April, more than 70% of summer homes will have been snapped up in the most popular holiday locations.
Planning an international beach trip this summer? Book in January
Brits wanting to soak up the sun abroad should move even faster as Vrbo has identified earlier booking dates for beach destinations.
Recommended reading:
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The best day to book your next flight (plus the best day of the week to fly)
Every UK Bank Holiday date for 2025 – see the full list
Those planning trips to Faro in Portugal, and the Balearics and Las Palmas in Spain should book in January to have the most choice of properties. By early March, Vrbo expects only 30% of homes in these popular locations to remain available on the website.
Want longer to decide? Try a summer staycation
Those who want to stay closer to home have slightly less time pressure, but early booking is still recommended. Staycation stalwarts like Cornwall, Devon and Cumbria, Vrbo’s recommended book-by dates of 24 March (just before Easter), while Norfolk is delayed until 7 April and North Yorkshire until 5 May.
