{"id":15682,"date":"2022-08-08T15:31:08","date_gmt":"2022-08-08T05:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=15682"},"modified":"2022-08-10T10:25:37","modified_gmt":"2022-08-10T00:25:37","slug":"insider-hacks-5-reasons-to-book-your-summer-holiday-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/tips\/insider-hacks-5-reasons-to-book-your-summer-holiday-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Insider hacks: 6 reasons to book your summer holiday now"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s hard not to daydream about summer right now, but some of us are doing more than dreaming. Many Aussie travellers are already booking their 2022-2023 summer getaways! We think they\u2019re onto something \u2013 and Wotif hotel expert Amanda Egan tells us why.<\/p>\n

1. More options<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Summer is one of the most in-demand times of year for holidays, and many of our fave hotels, flights and destinations sell out fast. The earlier you book, the more options you have.<\/p>\n

Having more choice makes it easier to plan your dream getaway \u2013 and it can help you save money too. As Amanda says\u2026<\/p>\n

More availability means more destinations, properties, room types and deals to choose from, and the ability to compare prices. That\u2019s something travellers always care about \u2013 but in 2022 it\u2019s more important than ever.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Booking ahead can be especially helpful for families and groups travelling together. Amanda has this tip:<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re travelling in a group and booking multiple rooms, you can contact the property after you\u2019ve booked and ask if they can put you in adjoining rooms. The more availability they have, the more likely they can do it.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

2. Greater flexibility<\/h2>\n

Lots of properties now offer flexible booking options, so some of their stays might be fully refundable or give you the choice to book now and pay later. But these options are usually not available on every room or deal type. If you want to bag a flexible stay, Amanda says\u2026<\/p>\n

Fully refundable and book now, pay later options are really popular with travellers, so the deals that include them often sell out first. It might sound counterintuitive, but if you\u2019re not completely sure of your plans it can be smart to book ahead so you can get a stay that you can easily change.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

3. Extra time to save for a splurge<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Okay, so your dream getaway might not be a summertime shopping spree \u2013 but typical travel expenses like eating out, admission fees, and petrol for road trips can all add up. If you need to save up for that splurge, booking ahead can really help (especially if you pay for your accommodation now). Once you know exactly where and when you\u2019re going, it\u2019s much easier to budget and save so you have all the spending money you need to have an awesome time. Or as Amanda puts it:<\/p>\n

Holidays are all about treating yourself! It\u2019s a time to say yes to another cocktail or a day at the hotel spa.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

4. Less stress<\/h2>\n

Christmas parties (and Christmas prep!), end-of-year catch-ups, school and uni exams\u2026 the summer festive period is great, but the lead-up to it can be pretty busy \u2013 and sometimes even a bit stressful! But you can make your (future) life easier by booking your summer holiday well in advance. Amanda says\u2026<\/p>\n

Booking ahead means you can do all your holiday research and planning earlier in the year, before everything gets hectic. You can take your time and plan an even better getaway for you and the fam. And when December hits, it\u2019s one major task already ticked off your to-do list.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

5. Some destinations could be extra popular<\/h2>\n

Many Aussie travellers are already planning their summer getaways – and some favourite destinations could be extra popular this year. Based on accommodation interest on Wotif.com for stays between December 2022 and February 2023*, this summer’s trending destinations are:<\/p>\n