when do 2026 holidays go on sale

3 min read 14-03-2025

Planning a vacation is exciting! But knowing when to book your 2026 holiday can mean the difference between a dream trip and a budget-busting disaster. This guide explores when you can expect to find the best deals on 2026 holiday packages. The short answer? It depends! But we'll break down the factors influencing sale timing and offer some helpful tips.

Factors Affecting 2026 Holiday Sale Dates

Several factors determine when holiday packages for 2026 will go on sale:

1. The Destination:

Popular Destinations: High-demand destinations like popular European cities, tropical islands, or ski resorts often release their deals earlier, sometimes even a year or more in advance. Airlines and hotels want to secure bookings early for these locations.
Less Popular Destinations: If you're heading somewhere less travelled, you might find deals popping up closer to the travel dates.

2. The Travel Provider:

Airlines: Airlines sometimes announce sales based on their own schedules and anticipated demand. Keep an eye on their websites and sign up for email alerts.
Tour Operators: Large tour operators frequently release early bird discounts and package deals well in advance. They might offer sales for specific holiday periods (Christmas, Easter, Summer) several months ahead.
Travel Agents: Local travel agents can be a great resource. They often have access to deals that aren't publicly advertised.

3. The Time of Year:

Post-Peak Season Sales: Look for post-peak season sales after busy periods. For instance, once the summer holidays end, you might find deals on autumn getaways or early winter bookings.
Off-Season Sales: If you're flexible with travel dates, consider booking during the off-season. This is when you'll generally find the most significant discounts.

When to Start Your Search for 2026 Holiday Deals

While specific sale dates are hard to pinpoint, here's a general timeline:

Late 2024 - Early 2025: This is when you can expect some major tour operators and airlines to start releasing their initial offers for 2026 holidays, particularly for popular destinations and peak travel periods. Keep your eyes peeled for early bird discounts.
Spring/Summer 2025: This is when deals usually become more prevalent. Many airlines and travel agencies will be promoting their summer holidays (2026), and some late-winter/spring breaks may appear, especially if booking in advance is rewarded with better prices.
Autumn/Winter 2025: Expect a flurry of holiday sales as operators gear up for the upcoming year, particularly those offering Christmas, New Year and winter break packages.
Closer to the Date: Don't rule out last-minute deals! While these are less common for peak travel times, they can occasionally surface, especially if you're flexible on your destination and dates.

Tips for Finding the Best 2026 Holiday Deals

Be flexible with your dates: Traveling mid-week or during the shoulder season (periods just before or after peak season) can save you a significant amount of money.
Consider alternative airports: Flying from a smaller airport might offer cheaper flights.
Book in advance: For peak season travel, booking well in advance is generally advisable to secure the best prices and availability.
Use price comparison websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights, etc., can help you compare prices from various airlines and travel agents.
Sign up for email alerts: Subscribe to newsletters from airlines and travel companies to stay informed about upcoming sales.
Follow travel blogs and social media: Stay up-to-date on travel deals and promotions by following relevant travel blogs and social media accounts.

Conclusion

While there isn't one definitive answer to when 2026 holiday deals will go on sale, starting your search in late 2024 or early 2025 will give you a head start. By being flexible, using price comparison tools, and staying informed, you can maximize your chances of finding an amazing deal for your 2026 holiday. Remember to book early for popular destinations and peak travel times to avoid disappointment!