I'm a travel expert...here are three costly mistakes people always make when they book a winter sun holiday

With online searches for 'last-minute winter sun' rising by a huge 82% in the past three months, Becky Hutton, Holiday Planner at Sunsail, has revealed the three costly mistakes people often make when planning a winter sun holiday:

Not booking early enough.

Overlooking seasonal weather conditions.

Making assumptions about destinations they’ve visited in the past.

Becky advises booking next year’s winter sun escape now to secure the best deals, as flights are typically released 11 months in advance. For last-minute travel this year, she also recommends travelling during shoulder season (April/May for most destinations), which offers fewer crowds, lower costs, and the same stunning locations.

To help families, couples and everyone in between book a hassle-free winter sun holiday, Becky has also:

Shared her top tips for saving money.

Revealed the secret to choosing the perfect winter sun destination.

Explained why the British Virgin Islands, Thailand and Tahiti are the perfect winter sun destinations.

Unveiled her top tips for planning a unique itinerary, including jumping on the latest trend of nostalgic holidays - such as people booking trips to places they've been to in the past, something Sunsail is noticing more and more people doing.

Have you noticed any changes in the way people are booking winter sun holidays in 2025?

More people are booking earlier to secure better flights and accommodation. Social media influences travel decisions too, with friends and influencers sharing their experiences. However, some are also booking later, hoping for last-minute deals or making impulsive decisions.

What are the most common mistakes people make when booking a winter sun holiday?

Not booking in advance - Flight availability gets really limited over peak times – Christmas/New Year and Thanksgiving, people tend to leave it too late and flight prices are then crazily expensive and availability really limited. It’s best to plan and book 11 months in advance for Christmas/New Year when flights come out to get the best ratesNot researching destinations and experiences thoroughly - This includes not checking weather conditions properly which can dampen experiences, and also forgetting to factor travel time (such as flights and transfers) into itineraries which may mean you miss out on planned activitiesMaking assumptions about destinations - If you’ve visited a destination, booked a hotel or taken part in an activity previously, it’s really easy to assume everything will be exactly the same next time. However, you may find that prices have changed, what’s included in your experience is now different or something may have closed down since the last time you visited. If you don’t make sure your chosen destination is still suitable, it may result in mis-budgeting, leading to unexpected costs.

Top tips for saving money on a winter sun holiday:

Budget - Determine your budget and be clear about what's included in the package. Winter holidays vary widely in price, so ensure you have a clear understanding of what's covered, from accommodations and meals to activities and excursions.

Shoulder season - To keep costs down, book your winter holiday during the shoulder season where you’ll experience less crowds and costs but still get to enjoy the same beautiful destination. Many Caribbean destinations, such as Antigua, the BVI and Grenada still have brilliant weather in October/November and April/May.

Book in advance - Book flights as soon as the airlines release them (normally about 11 months in advance to get the best prices). Where possible, use air miles to save on flights and try to be flexible with dates as changing by just a few days can make a huge difference to prices.

Deals and discounts - Search for deals or discounts and keep an eye out for special offers. If you’re really ahead of the game, you may be able to take advantage of early booking discounts! If you’re taking recommendations from friends or family who have visited in the past, some accommodations may offer referral codes so you can both benefit!

Different yacht types - In particular, if you’re planning a sailing holiday, consider different yacht types to help keep costs down.

Consult experts - Consult travel agents to receive expert advice ahead of booking your winter sun holiday. You can ask any questions you have and they can advise on how to make the most of any given destination without overspending.

Protection - Book with ABTA-backed companies for protection and get travel insurance for peace of mind.

What's your secret to choosing the perfect winter sun destination?

Crowd control - Research crowd levels before booking! If you want a quiet, private experience then avoid peak months but if you want a sociable, lively winter sun holiday then book to go during the busiest months.

Reviews - Read reviews from previous travellers and seek recommendations from friends or online communities. First-hand experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of accommodation, activities and other services.

Type of accommodation - Consider the type of accommodation that suits your needs and preferences, whether it's a luxury yacht, a boutique hotel, or a secluded villa.

Personal preferences - Narrow down what's most important to you, e.g. direct flights, or sailing conditions, distances between islands etc…

Experts - Call the holiday company/speak to travel agents for advice and ask them for tailored suggestions to make your experience unique.

What are your top winter sun destinations for this year?

British Virgin Islands - Winter is an ideal time for escaping to the sun to sunbathe, swim, snorkel and sail. The BVI’s a sailing paradise with consistent trade winds, warm temperatures, and clear waters. Renowned for natural beauty, pristine beaches and coral reefs, the BVI is known for its low light pollution, making it an ideal location for observing stars, planets, and even the Milky Way this winter.

Thailand - Thailand's tropical climate ensures pleasant weather during the winter months, with temperatures ranging from warm to hot. It's an excellent destination for those seeking sun and warmth. The country boasts some of the world's most beautiful islands and beaches, perfect for water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping.

Tahiti - Like Thailand, Tahiti enjoys a tropical climate year-round, and winter is a delightful time to visit, with warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. Explore Tahiti's lush landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and coral reefs. The island's unique geology and natural beauty make it a great place for hiking and diving.

What are your tips for planning a unique holiday itinerary?

Goal setting - Before you start planning, take some time to reflect on your goals. Whether it's stress relief, adventure, new experiences, nostalgia or simply relaxation, knowing your intentions will help you choose the right winter sun destination and activities.

Nostalgia - We have noticed a shift with our customers looking to revisit winter holiday destinations they’ve enjoyed in the past, rather than exploring new ones. Whether you sunbathed on the powdery-white sands of the British Virgin Islands as a child or spent Christmas in The Bahamas, there is so much joy to be found in reminiscing over past holidays, and revisiting the places you loved when you were younger.

Past winter sun holidays - Sit down with the people you’re planning your holiday with and talk about your favourite past winter holidays and any memories you have associated with them. Use this as inspiration for planning your next winter sun holiday.

Digital detox - Consider a digital detox during your winter sun holiday. Limit your screen time, disconnect from work emails and social media, and focus on being present in the moment.

Find a balance - Balance activities to suit everyone and consider how you can explore your chosen destination in different ways, both on land and in the water. Make time for relaxation so you come home feeling rejuvenated, but also identify opportunities to explore, discover and have an adventure!