Artful Travel: To Book Now or Last Minute

MARCH
Relax. Easter holidays are in April this year, so bok last minute for bargains. It's a great time for checking out the tulips in Amsterdam, the green Irish landscape of the Eypgtian Pyramids. Eastern European destinations beckon too. You could even consider St Lucia at this time when the weather is still warm and the tourists have gone home.

APRIL
Book in advance, especially if you want to get away to the Med with the kds.

MAY
Book in advance to ge the best deals especially aorund and during the two bank holidays. Keep checking online and snap up the seats as soon as they come on sale.

JUNE
Relax, traditionally there are last minute bargains to be had.

JULY AND FIRST TWO WEEKS IN AUGUST
Book in advance, otherwise the choicest holidays will have disappeared by the time you get round to booking.

SECOND TWO WEEKS IN AUGUST
Relax, you can book last minute and at this time prices tend to dip.

SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
Relax but not for too long. Don't wait beyond May. This time of year is idea to enjoy the warm autumnal days in Greece and Cyprus.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
Relax. Travel during these two months is generally prime time for deals for packages and flights. But remember in the US Thanksgiving falls in November and hotels tend to be booked way in advance.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Book as early as you can. Even a year in advance and at the latest in May, otherwise you will miss out on long haul cheaper tickets and al lthe top resorts around the world will be gone.

JANUARY
Relax. The sales are on in January. For winter sun, the Maldives, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Guatemala and Dubai are a good bet. Not so though for destinations like St Lucia and Jamaica where prices are at the most expensive this time of year.

FEBRUARY
Book up to a year in advance if you want to be skiing in February or visit the Caribbean. Not so for European desinations but then it is chilly at this time of year.

TOP TIPS
- Last minute bookers should have a flexible approach to get the best deals
- The accepted definition of a late booking is up to six weeks before the date of travel.
- Don't expect last minute deals for destinations where popular events are taking place.
- During school holidays families are on the move and there are less bargains around. The main summer holiday is from mid-July to early September. Children also have 2 weeks holiday at Christmas and Easter, plus a week in mid-October and in mid-February. Exact dates vary between each education authorities.

20 February 2006