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When is the Best Time to Book a Holiday for 2026?

9th January 2026

The best time to book a holiday for 2026 is earlier than many people expect, and depends on how you plan to travel, where your destination is, and when you’re hoping to get away. 

There’s a familiar pattern for flight-based holidays and package deals: popular dates disappear quickly, and prices rise after January as discounts expire. Canal boat holidays work in the same way, you just avoid the airport queues, extra suitcase fees and travel delays.  

Find out when holiday availability for 2026 starts disappearing, why canal boat holidays book up just as fast as flights, and how to secure the dates and routes everyone else wants.  

Why early booking matters for 2026 holidays 

January is widely considered peak booking season in the holiday industry, as airlines, tour operators, and holiday providers offer some of the best deals for the year ahead. It’s when demand for booking really picks up.  

When over a quarter (29%) of people in the UK book earlier in the year for something to look forward to, that’s a huge chunk of availability that starts disappearing before you’ve probably caught a glimpse of the winter sun.  

Once dates become greyed out, you lose your chance to pick your ideal dates. This is why the best time to book a holiday for 2026 is before peak demand kicks in.  

Holiday cost also plays a role in early booking. A YouGov survey found 64% of UK adults say affordability is the most important factor when booking earlier in the year.  

Booking early means you lock in better prices, and you can plan your year with confidence, knowing you’ve got a restful break sorted already. And as most people tend to book at least three to six months in advance, booking now means securing an early-summer getaway with the best dates. 

SAVE UP TO 15% IN OUR NEW YEAR SALE

 

The 5 benefits of booking a holiday earlier in the year

 

Booking early is more than just saving money. It means your long-awaited and well-deserved break is marked in the calendar. There are 5 perks to booking a holiday earlier in the year:

1. The most popular options are always booked first, including sought-after routes and boat types, so early booking gives you first pick for the widest selection possible.  

2. There’s more flexibility for families, groups or anyone tied to term-time dates, especially when holiday providers offer deals on longer holidays.  

3. It’s easier to budget when you can spread the cost over time, rather than paying everything at once. Check to see if your holiday provider offers instalments, too.  

4. Discounts tend to be highest before demand peaks, meaning there’s more access to early booking offers.  

5. Having a holiday booked and confirmed well in advance can be a much-needed lift during the winter months and the start of spring.  

By the time most people start looking for the best value holiday deals, the best options have already been taken. Booking earlier simply gives you more choice and lower costs of up to 15% off.  

Which holiday dates get booked first? 

For people in the UK, peak booking times for holidays include school holiday weeks during Easter and the summer, across bank holiday weekends, and generally in the warmer summer months. These faster booking dates include:

Demand is also highest during the warmer months of the year in the UK, typically June, July and August. The weather is often more reliable, and there’s a slightly wider range to move around your annual leave. For canal boat holidays, these months are the most popular times to cruise, which means availability is smaller than many people expect.  

We recommend checking your local council for official school term dates before making holiday arrangements. These weeks often sell out a lot sooner than off-peak periods.  

BOOK YOUR DATES BEFORE THEY GO

 

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF BOOKING EARLIER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you’re planning a getaway for 2026, including a canal boat holiday, asking the right questions early can help avoid disappointment later.  

Consider the following: 


The more specific your plans are, the earlier you should be booking. Waiting doesn’t mean missing out entirely, but it does increase the likelihood of having to compromise on dates, routes or boat size.  

Each season, we see the same pattern: the most popular routes, larger berth boats, and peak weeks are the first to go. Canal boat holidays sell out just like flights. And when they’re gone, they’re gone. Even with more than 140 routes, early booking is often the only way to secure your ideal UK staycation plans for 2026.  

Want to get your 2026 holiday in the calendar? 

Beat the Christmas holiday blues by securing your 2026 canal boat holiday today, before the boats, routes and dates you want are taken. Save 15% when you book before February and ‘lock’ in something worth looking forward to.  

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