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Travellers should get moving on their 2025 holidays plans as January to March is the busiest period for bookings, with many providers offering better value deals now than they likely will at any other time of year.
RAA Travel booking data shows the first three months of the year see around 33% more bookings flood in than other times of the year on average, as holidaymakers seek to secure their trips for the year ahead.
January and February are the best months to book popular experiences and accommodation options in destinations like the UK, Bali and Japan.
Further, January to March is the Cruise Wave sale season, where cruise lines from all over the world offer sought-after deals including discounts, on-board credits, free upgrades and add-ons such as beverage packages and free Wi-Fi.
It comes as RAA Travel gears up for its third annual RAA Travel Showcase on Saturday 15 February at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The RAA Travel Showcase is free for anyone to attend and will have exclusive on-the-day deals available from many of the 30+ exhibitors including APT, Journey Beyond, Princess Cruises and Grand Pacific Tours.
RAA Travel General Manager Gina Norman said last year’s event attracted more than 2,000 South Aussies looking to get a bargain on their next holiday.
“The annual rush on travel bookings has begun,” Ms Norman said.
“The start of the year is consistently our busiest for travel bookings as people battle post-festive season blues back at work and look to lock in their next holiday.
“We always say this time of year is the best time to get in early and make sure you don’t miss out on accommodation or experiences at your chosen destination on your chosen dates.
“In terms of destinations, Japan continues to be a hotspot for Aussie travellers, so we expect this to continue in 2025, and this is also the peak time for European summer bookings which will be upon us before we know it.
“And of course Cruise Wave season gets bigger every year so if you’re looking to book a cruise for 2025/26, now is the time to do so.”
Ms Norman said there had been a slight reduction in international airfare prices over the last year as more airlines return to Australia and competition heats up, so there is no better time to travel if you’ve been holding out.
“Attending our RAA Travel Showcase event on 15 February is a great way to secure an amazing deal and get better value out of your next holiday.
“For regional South Australians who can’t make it to the Convention Centre, they can contact RAA’s Victor Harbor, Port Lincoln or Mount Gambier shop locations on the day to find out about our Travel Showcase deals there as well.”
South Australians can register for the RAA Travel Showcase via the RAA website. Walk-ins are also welcome.