better to book now for next half term or last minute?

[persephonesnape]

In your experience and/or opinion? I am trying to rent a two bed cottage, devon or cornwall during summer half term week for 4/5 nights or so - clearly the prices jump up hideously in that week - am I better to take it on the chin and pre-book? So I have peace of mind and something definite to look forwards to - or wait until around a week/fortnight before to try and get a better price and possibly end up with a cowshed/ even more expense, WWMND?

Don't want to put a downer on it for you, but we are a 4 star 4 bed on the Isle of Wight and that we has been gone since before christmas.

Our agent never discounts that week, last year they only discounted the first two weeks in July. The prices jump as the good properties sell almost not quite regardless of price.
So if you see somewhere you like I would book it now to avoid disappointment.

if you only want a short stay you're more likely to get one nearer the time (they tend to hang on for full weeks at busy times) - also you might get a late availability discount...

otoh, as you said, you might end up with not much choice...

have you looked at \link{http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk\holiday-rentals} at all? you deal direct with the owner & they often only have 1 property so can be more flexible than agencie

ponders - that site is really helpful! thank you!:)

We nearly always go to Cornwall during May half term.

I have left it till 3 weeks before to book and I have also booked it several months in advance.

Depends how fussy you are on location really.

You will find something if you leave it later. But you will have less choice and I have never known it be reduced for half term week.

This year I booked it last Sept and we have got something 250 yards from the beach we wanted at the price we wanted to pay.

IME I think it is better to book as early as you can and have more choice.

Have to say that our cottages booked up for summer half term about 6 months ago and we are already booked for Autumn half term. If you are looking for a big cottage that sleeps 8 or more (or something with added extras like a pool or hot tub, etc) they do tend to book early.

However, there are bargains to be had - independent cottages or holiday rentals are both good sites. You could also try Gumtree or ebay for some good late deals.

On a lighter note, our pig sheds are empty for whitsun I'm open to offers!!!!

found a lovely one on holiday rentals, although the pig sheds would be a viable alternative over xmas, if i could pull off this immaculate conception mullarkey! :)

oh good, have you been able to book it? pls link if so (am nosy!)

will link once i have booked it (get paid on monday!) can't link beforehand in case someone horrible (not you!) nicks it!:)

that's fair - will look forward to seeing it

I take the kids to Cornwall and have been able to get shorter breaks booking at the last minute, but like someone above said, cant be fussy! I would book in advance, realistically chances of getting a good deal are slim and then at least you and the kids have something to look forward to