TikTok Travel Expert Reveals the Cheapest Minute to Book Your Holiday
A TikTok travel expert has gone viral after revealing the precise time of day when booking a holiday is cheapest, with data showing that even a few minutes can make a significant difference in price. Rob, known online as @robonthebeach, shared groundbreaking advice in a recent clip, highlighting how timing down to the hour and minute can lead to substantial savings for travellers.
The Most Expensive Time to Book
According to Rob, who works in travel and analyses holiday data daily, the most expensive time to book a holiday is between 9 and 10am. This peak morning period, often when people scroll during office hours, can cost travellers around 30% more compared to the cheapest times. "No more booking holidays as soon as you get to the office," he advises, warning against this costly habit.
The Cheapest Times Revealed
In contrast, the cheapest time to book is in the early morning, specifically between 4 and 5am. Rob explains that airline pricing systems reset overnight as demand drops, pushing prices closer to base levels before they increase with daytime searches. For those seeking the ultimate bargain, he pinpointed the single cheapest minute: 2.48am. Booking at this exact time was, on average, 60% cheaper, though he notes it won't apply to every trip.
Alternative Savings Tips
If setting a 4am alarm isn't appealing, Rob suggests other cheaper windows, such as late evening between 8pm and 10pm, which still offer noticeable savings over the morning rush. The video sparked a wave of reactions online, with users confirming the early hours are indeed cheap and joking about the potential for increased demand. Additional tips from commenters included clearing browser cache to avoid price hikes.
Brits' Holiday Booking Habits
Research from YouGov shows that around 35% of UK travellers book holidays one to three months in advance, while 23% book four to six months ahead. Data from IPA indicates the average UK adult books a holiday roughly 17 weeks before travelling, with online bookings now dominating. ABTA reports that approximately 78% of adults take at least one holiday annually, underscoring the relevance of these money-saving tips for many Brits.
