Many people will sit tight, wait, and pray the prices drop over time for their summer holiday, but the fact is they don’t. Some of the cheapest summer holiday prices can be found in the winter and January in particular with New Year deals.

You may find that this is rather strange, but hotels want to be booked up early. It makes it easier for them to know the levels their going to have, and the earlier they fill up their rooms, the better.

It can be strange planning a summer holiday when Christmas is just around the corner, but that does not mean it is wrong. If you have a good idea on where you want to go, start looking now because you may in fact be pleasantly surprised.

Here’s a few of our recommendations if you’re stuck for ideas:

• South Africa
• Thailand
• Greek Islands
• Jamaica
• Portugal