Who gets better deals, people who book early or last-minute travellers?

First in, best dressed
Last-minute perks
Early-bird pitfalls
The downside of delaying
Finding the balance
5 tips for cheap last-minute air fares

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Words by Melinda Browning for Escape.com.au.

First in, best dressed, Last-minute perks, Early-bird pitfalls, The downside of delaying, Finding the balance, 5 tips for cheap last-minute air fares

No matter how hard I try to be an organised traveller, carefully mapping out plans months or even years ahead of time, I tend to be a last-minute one. Spontaneity can deliver cost savings and pleasant surprises – like a swish hotel suite, reserved at the eleventh hour, at a sweet rate. But other times it can mean hearing “booked out already” and “those flights are now $300 more”. So which approach is really best? Does Pam with a Plan always win out, or does being a Last-Minute Larry have the edge?

No matter how hard I try to be an organised traveller, carefully mapping out plans months or even years ahead of time, I tend to be a last-minute one.

Spontaneity can deliver cost savings and pleasant surprises – like a swish hotel suite, reserved at the 11th hour, at a sweet rate. But other times it can mean hearing “booked out already” and “those flights are now $300 more”.

So which approach is really best? Does Pam with a Plan always win out, or does being a Last-Minute Larry have the edge?

First in, best dressed

Someone who knows a thing or two about early-bird thinking is Michelle Black, the Australia and New Zealand managing director of Viking Cruises – a company whose guests book, on average, 380 days before departure.

“Guests who plan ahead can choose from the best itineraries, sailing dates and staterooms,” Black says. “There’s also a real sense of anticipation in having future journeys locked in.”

Case in point, Antarctica. With a short season and limited capacity, forward planning for trips there is essential. Many river cruises require advance booking, too.

“When we launched our new Wonders of India river journeys last year with limited departures in 2027, demand was instant and sailings sold out quickly,” Black says.

Thinking ahead allows you to budget for the trip over time, and can also net you some perks. A recent Viking deal, for instance, offered either a free flight, business-class credit, or $2500 discount. First-comers can reap the benefits of peak-season forays. “Tour itineraries that are timed around headline events can sell out quickly and are essential to book in advance,” says Inspiring Vacations’ chief executive and co-founder Paul Ryan. “Events like Inti Raymi (winter solstice) at Machu Picchu, the Serengeti’s Great Migration or Japan’s cherry blossoms.” His top tip? “Sign up to emails with news about your chosen destination, and receive the ‘first look’ at deals.” In a snap early-bird sale recently, Inspiring Vacations took up to 30 per cent off 2028 tours – a saving of almost $4000 on some trips.

First-comers can reap the benefits of peak-season forays.

“Tour itineraries that are timed around headline events can sell out quickly and are essential to book in advance,” says Inspiring Vacations’ chief executive and co-founder Paul Ryan. “Events like Inti Raymi (winter solstice) at Machu Picchu, the Serengeti’s Great Migration or Japan’s cherry blossoms.”

His top tip? “Sign up to emails with news about your chosen destination, and receive the ‘first look’ at deals.”

In a snap early-bird sale recently, Inspiring Vacations took up to 30% off 2028 tours – a saving of almost $4000 on some trips.

Last-minute perks

Never underestimate the sheer thrill of an impulse trip. Black recalls one memorable guest who saw Viking featured on breakfast television in the morning and then booked to sail later that same day.

But for many, the big appeal of a last-minute trip is snagging a bargain – and for that, flexibility is key.

“Prices can still move around right up until takeoff, and that’s often where last-minute gems appear,” says Expedia travel expert Sarah King. “When airlines or hotels still have rooms or seats to fill, great deals can pop up – so flexible travellers are often the winners. Being open to different destinations, switching up your dates, or even adjusting your length of stay can unlock really strong savings.”

For example, King says travelling the week after major holiday weekends can shave 20 per cent off airfares. If you’re in the market for a last-minute overseas trip, most experts agree that regional destinations are the ones to watch. King recommends Japan, Bali and New Zealand as the top spots to target right now. Ryan points to tropical beach destinations in countries such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Black, meanwhile, suggests a Mekong River cruise or sailing from Tokyo to Hong Kong. One of Flight Centre’s most popular packages is an eight-night stay at Thailand’s Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa, offering up to 50 per cent off, with flight and accommodation deals from $1400 in the coming months.

For example, King says travelling the week after major holiday weekends can shave 20% off airfares. If you’re in the market for a last-minute overseas trip, most experts agree that regional destinations are the ones to watch.

King recommends Japan, Bali and New Zealand as the top spots to target right now. Ryan points to tropical beach destinations in countries such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Black, meanwhile, suggests a Mekong River cruise or sailing from Tokyo to Hong Kong.

One of Flight Centre’s most popular packages is an eight-night stay at Thailand’s Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa, offering up to 50% off, with flight and accommodation deals from $1400 in the coming months.

Early-bird pitfalls

We all love a holiday to look forward to – some armchair psychologists argue that an impending trip can even boost your wellbeing – but locking it in too rapidly has potential drawbacks.

For starters, better deals may appear on the horizon. While flight bookings usually open 12 months in advance, Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks report found the cheapest time to book is four to six weeks out.

Some operators are instituting measures to reassure prompt travellers, such as Flight Centre with its “Captain’s Pack”, which can include price-drop protection and waive cancellation fees. Likewise, accommodation prices frequently fluctuate, but many hotels offer peace of mind with refundable bookings.

Having ample time to prepare for your trip (and budget for it) is a plus, but the waiting period can drag – especially if you have doubts over whether you’ve chosen the most appealing package. The key to avoiding regrets, says Ryan, is research.

“Know in advance which operator you want to travel with,” he says. “Tours may look similar but inclusions, stops, accommodation styles and more elements can vary. By having a clear idea of what you’re looking for, you’ll be ready to pounce.” Circumstances can change so always read the fine print. If you need to pivot, you may lose your deposit or face a cancellation fee, though some companies will offer a credit. “Our flexible deposit policy means guests can book early without feeling locked in too soon,” says Black. Viking voyagers who cancel more than 121 days prior can apply their deposit (less $100) to a future cruise.

Circumstances can change so always read the fine print. If you need to pivot, you may lose your deposit or face a cancellation fee, though some companies will offer a credit.

“Our flexible deposit policy means guests can book early without feeling locked in too soon,” says Black.

Viking voyagers who cancel more than 121 days prior can apply their deposit (less $100) to a future cruise.

The downside of delaying

The biggest risks associated with leaving your getaway reservation until the final moment is that you’ll miss out on your preferred dates, have to compromise on accommodation, or end up shelling out premium prices. And, of course, you’ll need to pay straight away.

A hectic pre-travel period also means you’ll need to act fast to get on top of the administration that early birds have a headstart on.

Before you book, make sure you’ve allowed enough time to apply for visas or a new passport, if necessary. The Smart Traveller website also recommends seeing a doctor at least six weeks before overseas travel for advice and vaccinations.

Even those who’ve made early arrangements can fall into the trap of delaying the boring but important stuff. An RACV report last year found 35% of Australian travellers leave securing travel insurance to the last week, and a similar UK study by Go.Compare found one in four wait until the day of departure.

“Those buying a travel policy last minute leave themselves at risk, as you won’t be covered for any issues that arise in the run-up to your holiday,” Go.Compare spokesman Rhys Jones warns. “For instance, airline closures or issues with your accommodation.”

Finding the balance So, is there a “right” time to book a holiday? Well, yes. If your heart is set on an epic round-the-world cruise, or a popular destination during peak season, then the optimal time is now – for 2027, 2028, maybe even 2029. If you don’t care where you go, and don’t have a boss, a dog or an already maxed-out credit card to consider, then the time is also now – for next week, next month, or maybe this afternoon. For most travellers, the sweet spot sits between researching options, understanding booking conditions, and keeping your eyes peeled for deals. And if that all sounds too hard, domestic getaways cut down on the paperwork and can offer stellar last-minute value. If that’s you right now, King suggests Tasmania, Brisbane and Canberra as affordable options this season.

Finding the balance

So, is there a “right” time to book a holiday? Well, yes. If your heart is set on an epic round-the-world cruise, or a popular destination during peak season, then the optimal time is now – for 2027, 2028, maybe even 2029.

If you don’t care where you go, and don’t have a boss, a dog or an already maxed-out credit card to consider, then the time is also now – for next week, next month, or maybe this afternoon.

For most travellers, the sweet spot sits between researching options, understanding booking conditions, and keeping your eyes peeled for deals. And if that all sounds too hard, domestic getaways cut down on the paperwork and can offer stellar last-minute value.

If that’s you right now, King suggests Tasmania, Brisbane and Canberra as affordable options this season.

5 tips for cheap last-minute air fares

1. Book on Thursday, fly on Friday

Departing on a Friday can save you 12% compared to Sunday, according to Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks report. When you buy the flight matters, too: booking on Thursday delivers 7% cheaper fares than on Saturday.

2. Be airport agnostic

Swap your departure or arrival point. In Melbourne, flights from Avalon are often cheaper than Tullamarine, and all eyes will be on Western Sydney Airport for potential savings when flights launch in October. In Tokyo, compare flights to Narita and Haneda airports.

3. Track new flight paths New routes often launch at enticing sale prices. Fijian Airways has spruiked soon-to-launch Gold Coast to Fiji flights from $215; Jetstar’s Melbourne to Sri Lanka flights (from August) started from $315;and Virgin Australia debuted its upcoming Canberra to Bali flights with $399 fares. 4. Track flight price drops When searching flights on airline and booking sites, you’ll often get the option to receive an email alert when the price drops. Skyscanner’s app offers push notifications for drops of 20 per cent or more. 5. Consider new destinations Try searching flights to “Anywhere” on Google Flights or “Everywhere” on Skyscanner. AI bots like ChatGPT or Escape’s own Ask Skye can suggest cheap destinations or flight windows within your date range, plus recommended itineraries.