How far in advance do Aussies book family holidays? It could save you 30 per cent

If you're thinking about taking a family holiday - especially one that involves flights - one of the hardest things to initially work out is when exactly to book.

Some people swear by getting in early to get the best deals, while others say they save more money when opting for last-minute offers.

New data from Webjet revealed travellers can save up to 30 per cent if they get the timing 'just right'. So we thought we'd ask our readers the question: "How far in advance do you organise and book family holidays?"

READ MORE: 'Game-changer' item you need for travelling with a baby

In the exclusive Nine reader survey*, over a third of respondents (31 per cent) said six months was how much time they gave themselves to plan and book.

"I normally plan eight months ahead, and pay in full by six months. I want to reserve specific seats, and my travel agent assists me with this," one person shared.

Some were happy to leave things a little bit later, with 29 per cent of respondents generally planning their getaways within three months.

However, on the flip side, 12 per cent of people said they like to give themselves a year to get organised.

"[If] it's holidays involving overseas travel then I book about 12 months ahead. Holidays within Australia, possibly a couple of months," one person explained.

While another said: "Regarding family holidays, I like to book as far in advance as possible, but can only book airfares 11 months in advance. With a cruise, I can book several years in advance."

READ MORE: The $4 buy you should tuck into your suitcase every time you travel

These days, airfares can seem to fluctuate quite regularly, with some travellers happy to leave a little more last-minute.

Of the respondents, 11 per cent generally planned their family holidays a few weeks ahead, while a handful of people (1 per cent) said they are fine leaving things until a few days out.

"THE best holidays are those SUDDEN LET'S GO THERE HOLIDAYS," one person wrote. "Planning will and does go wrong. Just be adventurous and go for it."

According to online booking website Webjet, early birds are catching the worm and huge savings.

In fact, travellers who booked flights to Europe in September 2024 for travel in the peak Euro summer month of July 2025 paid 30 per cent less than those who waited until April 2025 to book.

Similarly, people who booked flights to the US in September 2024 for travel in the peak summer month of June 2025 paid 31 per cent less than those who waited until April 2025 to book.

Looking at bookings made from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2025, Webjet found flights booked more than 180 days in advance were on average 15 per cent cheaper to the US, six per cent cheaper to Europe, and eight per cent cheaper to Asia, compared to those booked closer to departure.

"The trend is clear: planning ahead not only saves money, but also secures the best flights and accommodation," Katrina Barry, Managing Director and CEO of Webjet Group, said.

"We expect [Aussies will] be booking at least six months ahead to make the most of our incredible early bird sales."

While most of our survey respondents were planners, there were a few who revealed they've finally gotten out of doing the organisation leg work all together.

"Kids have all flown the coop and family holidays are usually organised by the two daughters and their husbands," one person shared.

"My kids are adults now with their own families. I only organise myself or trips to their homes," another added.

Wondering where the most interest is for overseas travel next year?

These are the top international destinations searched on Webjet for 2026:

1. Tokyo
2. Denpasar
3. London
4. Los Angeles
5. Singapore
6. Osaka
7. Phuket
8. Rome
9. Vancouver
10. Ho Chi Minh City

*The nine.com.au poll, which runs once a fortnight, canvases the views of the Nine audience on 9Nation, which is an online community of our readers and Nine viewers.