2026 Travel Rush: Why Early Bookings Now Save Over €1,000 Later
Travel plans for 2026 are shaping up early as holidaymakers rush to secure their trips before prices climb. Climate shifts are pushing more people toward cooler northern destinations, while dynamic pricing makes last-minute bookings far more expensive. Experts now advise locking in summer holidays as early as autumn 2025 to avoid steep costs and limited availability.
Popular summer spots like Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Spain still draw sun-seekers, but northern regions are gaining ground. Scandinavia and Germany’s Baltic coast are seeing higher demand as travellers look to escape extreme heat. Meanwhile, cruises of all types remain a top choice for 2026.
Major events are also driving early bookings. The Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, the FIFA World Cup, and the Eurovision Song Contest will draw large crowds, pushing accommodation and transport prices up. Deutsche Bahn’s Super Sparpreis Aktion (January 13–15, 2026) offers discounted ICE tickets for travel until March 31, while Germany’s Tag des barrierefreien Tourismus on March 5 (with digital options) highlights accessibility in travel planning. Thomas Oppenheim of ÖAMTC’s travel agencies warns that waiting too long can double costs. HolidayCheck recommends booking summer 2026 trips in October or November 2025 to save over €1,000 and secure better options. The ÖAMTC’s My Trip app helps travellers plan ahead with real-time recommendations and booking support.
With occupancy rates already high and dynamic pricing pushing late bookings out of reach, early planning is now essential. Discounts, better availability, and access to major events depend on securing trips well in advance. Travellers who wait risk paying far more—or missing out entirely.
