To book this holiday?

[annualtrip]

Hoping to book a holiday abroad for 2025. I think the prices will only continue to rise as time goes on, so booking now might be cheapest (though correct me if I’m wrong).

It’s £250 per month direct debit for the next 14 months.

Bear in mind DH and I usually have about £1600 left after bills: this is for discretionary spending and saving.

We are also currently TTC so could be continuing to pay the holiday off when I am on reduced income through maternity - if we conceive this month that might be from next September through to February when the last payment is due. My maternity package combined with DHs wage will still leave us with £1200 a month approx. I don’t underestimate how much babies cost!

I have never paid a holiday off in instalments before, always in one amount. It is interest free though and just a payment option that the travel provider lets you do. Am I crazy to book it? It’s one of those things where if we put it off, we just won’t do it.

YABU - your bills are high and you don’t have much left over, don’t be stupid
YANBU - just book it that’s totally doable

£3k for a holiday?? Where are you going? Mars?

3k isn't exactly mega-bucks for a nice holiday these days.

For 2 people?

Well we normally pay less than half that for a perfectly nice holiday so £3k would have to be pretty special.

Yes £3.5k for a short haul holiday for two does seem a lot.

Definitely isn't!

If you are TTC I wouldn’t bother booking a holiday so far in advance tbh. So much could change. I would be inclined to wait and see how I felt later on. Good luck OP.

If you are TTC then, no I wouldn't. You have no idea if you will have a baby or be pregnant and there are so many ways your plans could end up not going the way you want. Just save the money instead in a holiday fund and decide nearer the time

I often book inadvance as I'm a single parent paying 2 fares. However trying for a baby and doing this is crazy you could feel poorly or very tired. Why don't you just save for 1 year? And then look at booking some where?

It definitely isn’t. It’s sadly not even enough for flights and a decent hotel.

I am normally all up for advance booking. Have a holiday this May that I booked 18 months ago and have to pay it off in March. However, potential pregnancy does possibly put a bit of a spanner in the works especially as your costs would likely increase/income reduce. If you’re absolutely sure you could re-arrange then I’d go for it but I’d want to check and double check the small print.

I understand your reasoning for trying to get the holiday at today's prices in the expectation that the price will go up, but there seem to be too many variables around when/if you get pregnant and the age of your possible baby . I don't know what your planned holiday is, but eg if you are planning AI now, it maybe that self catering suits better if you have a young child as you would have your own space when they are sleeping rather than just a room etc

Probably better to set yourselves up a regular savings account (with interest) for that £250 a month .