Vrbo has picked through its booking data from recent years to see when the best deals sell out and when you should book to get the most for your money
As January blues sink in and thoughts turn to this year’s travel plans, knowing when to book to get the most for your money is key.
Vrbo has examined British holidaymakers’ booking habits and released its first-ever 2025 Holiday Booking Guide, which packed with intel on how to beat the booking rush – and make savvy savings. The holiday home company has picked through its booking data from recent years to see when the best deals sell out.
According to the report, you should book Easter breaks in January as 70% 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, as 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? Then you should book in January. Brits wanting to soak up the sun abroad should move even faster, due to the earlier booking dates for beach destinations. 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.
Those who want to stay closer to home have slightly less time pressure. 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.
“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,” said 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.”
- Easter holidays: Best time to book January 20, book no later than March 3
- Summer holidays: Best time to book February 17, book no later than April 28
- October half term: Best time to book August 18, book no later than September 15
If you are planning an October trip, then it’s worth knowing that rates drop after the high season, making October the sweet spot when average daily rates are the lowest in places as Norfolk, North Yorkshire and Gloucestershire.
Another way to save cash on the holiday homes site is to be among the first three guests to stay in a home, which means you can bag a 20% discount. If you click the ‘new listings discount’ you’ll be able to find these homes.