The sooner, the better — this idea works well in many situations in life, and booking your next summer holiday is no exception.
Early booking literally means booking your accommodation as early as possible in the year (or even before the end of the previous year), regardless of when in the season you go on holiday.
The benefits of early booking may not be so apparent, but take a closer look and you will realise that they will save you money and stress.
What are the advantages of Early Booking?
First come, first served
Early bookers can choose from a wide variety of available accommodation, whereas those who start searching late will have to settle for whatever is left. The most popular accommodation (villas close to the beach, villas with sea views and comfortable spa areas) is already well booked in the winter months.
Lower prices
Prices for villas and apartments are not fixed. They change regularly depending on how close the holiday season is. Offers on villas and apartments start appearing as early as September or October, and prices tend to be lower at that time. This is almost a year in advance. Owners try to sell as many units as possible early on. The Early Booking period peaks in December and January. As the summer months approach, prices will rise.
Better flight options
If you are planning to travel by plane, you should know that flight ticket prices change daily. The sooner you book, the better the price. Last-minute discounts are possible when an airline is trying to sell the remaining seats just a day or two before your holiday, but there is absolutely no guarantee that there will be any seats left. It’s like playing the lottery. Think carefully before deciding to take part.
More time for preparation
Apart from booking and finalising the details with the owner of your chosen accommodation, there is also a lot of paperwork to take care of before your holiday. Are your travel documents still valid? Do you have travel health insurance? Do you need a vignette to drive on foreign motorways? This paperwork is essential, but it can easily slip your mind if you are only focused on finding somewhere to stay at the last minute when offers are scarce and prices are high.
What about last minute offers?
Last-minute offers do exist, and you might come across them during the peak season. However, there are several drawbacks to this option. For example, there is no guarantee that you will find the accommodation you want at a price you are willing to pay at the last minute. It is far more likely that you will have to accept a compromise you don’t want, but it’s the only option available. This could refer to the location of a villa or the length of your stay. For example, maybe you wanted to book a week-long vacation, but only a five-day gap is available.
Last-minute offers are becoming increasingly scarce each peak season because more and more people want to secure their preferred location at their preferred time.
Early Booking price analysis for 2025
We analyzed the prices of bookings for 3 particular villas for a one-week stay in July 2025, comparing those made in May 2025 with those made during the Early Booking period at least six months in advance.
Vila Volpe Verde, Buje
| Booking date | Booked period | Rate | Price for 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 7 days in July 2025 | Early Booking rate | € 8,100 |
| May 2025 | 7 days in July 2025 | Standard rate | € 9,000 |
| Total savings: € 900 |
Villa Juma, Neretva Delta
| Booking date | Booked period | Rate | Price for 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 7 days in July 2025 | Early Booking rate | € 4,935 |
| May 2025 | 7 days in July 2025 | Standard rate | € 5,506 |
| Total savings: € 571 |
Vila Brig, Korčula
| Booking date | Booked period | Rate | Price for 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 7 days in July 2025 | Early Booking rate | € 3,599 |
| May 2025 | 7 days in July 2025 | Standard rate | € 4,499 |
| Total savings: € 900 |
Book early, save big
As demonstrated in our comparison, villas experienced an increase in price following the Early Booking period. Guests who booked in January 2025 saved between 10 % and 20 % compared to those who booked several months later. Considering the price of villas, even a 10 % reduction in price can mean significant savings. The selection of available accommodations was also much broader in the first months of the year than later on.
If you need help choosing the best villa or apartment for your stay, our agents are happy to assist you. We will provide you with a personalized offer according to your preferences. The earlier you book, the more of your preferences we can accommodate.
