Is it too Early to Book Your Summer Holiday?

Are you pining for some summer sun? It may seem early, but January is the ideal time to start planning your summer holiday, with plenty of cheap deals and flights available. But the good news doesn’t end there. From cheaper oil prices to a relatively strong pound, there are lots of reasons for UK holidaymakers to be cheerful in 2016. Here are a few of our travel tips for the year ahead.

More Affordable Eurozone Holidays

The strength of the pound against the Euro means that European destinations should be good value in 2016. With pound hovering between €1.30 and €1.40, eating out, shopping and other activities is appreciably cheaper than it has been for the last few years. This goes for popular beach holiday destinations like Spain, Greece and Portugal, as well as Eurozone cities like Paris, Rome and Berlin. Tempted? We are!

Cheaper Flights in 2016

In addition to a favourable exchange rate, lower oil prices also look set to benefit tourists in 2016. Holidaymakers can expect cheaper flights to short and long haul destinations, as the falling oil price gradually influences fuel costs. According to the International Air Transport Association, Iata, air fares fell by around 5% in the first 8 months of 2015.

Make the Most of Cheap Deals in Mexico

Further afield, beach holidays in Mexico should also offer good value for money in 2016, with around 25 Mexican pesos to the pound. This means that popular resorts like Cancún can even compete on price with some short-haul resorts. For example, you can travel to the resort on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula for as little as £409 this April. Now that’s a bargain.

An Early Easter

This year Easter Sunday falls on 27 March. This means that most UK schools will break up on 25 March, returning around 11 April and a whole 7-week period between the start of the summer term and the May Bank Holiday weekend. Although bad news for some, this is good news for anyone who can travel outside the school holidays, since lots of hotels and airlines will be competing for their business. Check deals now and see whether you can grab an off peak bargain!

A Packed Sporting Calendar

Finally, this summer sees two of the biggest occasions in the sporting calendar, namely the European Championships and Summer Olympics. While Rio 2016 (5-21 August) may not cause too many problems for European holidaymakers, Euro 2016 (11 June – 11 July) could be more of an issue for anyone thinking of travelling to France. With matches across the country, you should expect to pay more than usual for any hotels and accommodation in France.

**HDC Recommends*:**

Cape Verde, 7 nights all inclusive, from £388 in June
Jamaica, 7 nights all inclusive, from £647 in April
St Lucia, 7 nights all inclusive from £809 in June

*We can’t say no to tropical climates, almost guaranteed sunshine and the promise of enviable holiday photos!

Top Tip: As it’s January, swimwear will definitely be in the sales! Why not complete the booking and buy your holiday wardrobe while you’re at it? You’ll be dreaming of white sandy beaches in no time.