Usually 3 to 4 weeks before we go, as we don't have the luxury of knowing when I can get time off. Mind you would not want to book a holiday a year in advance - we quite like the unpredictability of not being sure where we are going until a fews days before we get on the plane.

Ive been booking DIY for a few years now,and usually book a year in advance to get the cheap flights.I dont think I will be doing that anymore,I booked flights for next Sept 2010 when we came home on Sept this year,accomodation also,accomodation has now come down in price!,and the flights were with customflights,who have now ceased trading,we booked through an agent who has been able to get us the same flights,same price with an other provider,which is great,but its December now and the flight has only gone up £18 since we booked,I wont be in a rush next year!!.This certainly hasnt been the norm in the past.

must admit, I like to book about 6 to 8 months in advance, loads of reasons really, mainly because I do loads of research beforehand, as we've got a 9 yr old daughter, the hotel has to have the facilities to keep her happy ( and us !!) and if its a popular hotel ( after reading sooo many reviews !) and a popular time of year, I need to know there will be room for us, and if the price is right , I'll book it. mind you, we booked in september for mexico in march 2010 and ( I vowed I would never do this !) looked at the price now and its nearly £300 cheaper !! but , hey ho, you live 'n learn ! wish we all knew when that magical time was we could book our hols at the optimum cheapest price, it sure is a guessing game !