Record number of last-minute bookings, many people book within a week before departure

There was a record number of last-minute bookings in July, with 37 percent of trips booked shortly before departure.

This is evident from new figures from HotelSpecials.nl.

Holidaymakers are increasingly waiting longer to book their accommodations. According to the travel agency, the increase is due in part to the weather, prices, and public holidays. Travel industry organization ANVR previously observed that Dutch people are booking their holidays later than usual this year. According to the organization, these developments are partly related to price levels. Prices have risen rapidly in recent years , causing Dutch people to wait longer to book a holiday.

In addition to last-minute deals, packages with flexible terms, such as free cancellation or rebooking, are popular. Packages with additional services are also becoming more popular, such as wellness, a complimentary dinner, late checkout, or a room upgrade.

For most last-minute bookings, the arrival date is within a week. Bookings are most common one to three days in advance. Travel agencies experience a peak in bookings on Mondays and Thursdays.

The travel agency is primarily seeing bookings for hotels in its own country. The most popular regions are the Dutch coast, South Limburg, the Veluwe, the Biesbosch National Park, and the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Hotels just across the border in Germany or Belgium are also being booked eagerly, especially in nature or quiet locations. It's primarily families and couples on short vacations who book at the last minute, for example, for a weekend or midweek break.

Last week, Metro investigated whether last-minute holidays are actually cheaper. The short answer: definitely not always . During peak season, popular destinations are often fully booked well in advance. Prices are high then, and because demand is still high, there's little incentive for providers to offer last-minute deals.

You'd love to make the most of your vacation and come home as relaxed as possible. What's the best way to do that?

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