Why autumn is the best time to book your next holiday
Start looking forward to your next escape and find out why autumn is actually the best time of year to book your holidays.
According to ABTA’s 2026 travel trends report, when asked about when they’re planning to book their next holiday, 35% of people aged 65 and over responded that they were waiting until September. This trend has only grown over the past few years and though wish-list travel has no sell-by date, it’s not hard to see why so many Brits opt to wait until the autumn before booking.
With more time to spread the cost, a wider range of departures to choose from, and exclusive savings to be claimed, the run-up to the end of the year is the best time to book a holiday. With that in mind, here are four reasons why you should say to securing your dream getaway this month.
Four reasons to book your next escape in the autumn
The widest choice of departures
While holiday operators launch new departure dates throughout the year, many companies use this time of year to release new-season dates for the coming years. Whether you’re hoping to holiday in a particular month, celebrate an anniversary abroad, or catch an annual festival in the country of your choosing, booking in the autumn gives you the best chance to do so.
If you’d prefer to travel at this time of year too, you can look forward to generally lower prices and thinner crowds compared to the summer peak season. This means you can often enjoy a more relaxed travel experience and cooler temperatures, which helps keep sightseeing as comfortable as possible. The season also brings its own highlights, from the fall colours of Japan and North America to fascinating global festivals like Diwali.
Brand-new adventures
Not only does autumn bring the latest departure dates for existing holidays, but it’s also one of the busiest times for new itineraries. With many companies operating on an 18-month schedule, securing your next holiday in the autumn means you’ll have first pick on the latest holidays and new destinations. With more choice available to you, it’s easier than ever to start planning something that goes beyond the typical favourites.
Our product team has been busy, too, and they’ve crafted a number of exciting new escapes. Embrace a more luxurious safari experience at the Babanango Reserve and Mabula’s Kingfisher Villa Suites, or unwind with a series of five-star resort stays in Sri Lanka. You can also discover Italy’s historic Isle of Elba, which can be explored alongside Tuscany and idyllic Umbria, and take a spiritual journey through Bhutan and Darjeeling. Those who are looking for something out of the ordinary can meander through the Caucasus landscapes and winemaking towns of Georgia.
Seasonal savings
Beyond the new travel opportunities, late autumn also sees the arrival of the year’s largest commercial event, Black Friday, and across the sales, you can make the most of several exclusive offers. If you’ve always dreamt of a certain destination, the autumn offers can help your money stretch further.
Keep an eye on Newmarket Holidays’ website towards the end of November for unmissable savings on all of our award-winning escorted tours. Whether you’re after a first-time safari adventure or wish to delve deeper into one of your favourite destinations, a well-timed saving could bring your holiday wish-list within reach. What’s not to love about that?
More time to spread the cost
Whether you’re considering a trip for 2027 or planning further in advance, booking your holiday can feel like a significant commitment. With our Easy Payment Plan, however, it doesn’t have to be. Instead of one large payment, you can secure your holiday with just a small deposit and pay the rest in manageable instalments across a number of months.
The best part is you can rest assured that your money will be safe and secure no matter what happens, and you’ll have the full support of our experienced holiday planners every step of the way. What’s more, all our tours are ATOL, ABTA and ABTOT-protected to give you the peace of mind that your money is safe. For more information, visit our Easy Payment Plan page, or learn more about our Peace of Mind Promise.
Discover your next wish-list adventure with Newmarket Holidays
With more than 40 years’ experience operating award-winning escorted tours, our expert team of holiday planners knows exactly how to help you get more out of your time away. Browse our full range of itineraries on our dedicated destinations page and see where your travel story will take you next.
