Portugal

This warm and sunny holiday destination is already a favourite amongst tourists. And you could save a lot on a package holiday by booking it up in advance. 

The pros found that a week-long package holiday in this sun-drenched paradise was, on average, £176pp cheaper if booked around eight months in advance. So, if you’re eyeing an August getaway, it pays to secure your spot around December – giving you ample time to save.

This means a couple could shave up to £352 off their holiday, with the biggest bargains to be found in the Algarve. This beloved are on Portugal’s southern coast offers a wealth of attractions and activities.

Albufeira and Vilamoura are the two most renowned towns in the area, and they serve as excellent bases for exploring the rest of the Algarve.

(Image: Getty)

Italy

Italy was found to be the second cheapest spot for a summer holiday, with August package trips around £140pp cheaper on average if booked eight months in advance. 

But Sicily, in particular, boasted even bigger savings. Here, the experts found that you could save a whopping £340pp by booking early rather than leaving it to the last minute – which equates to a saving of £680 for a couple.

This Mediterranean gem is a real hub of culture and history, with lively towns such as Palermo providing a genuine taste of Sicilian life.

From the stunning beaches to museums, eateries and pubs, there’s something to cater for all tastes.

(Image: Getty)

Croatia

This eastern European gem is the perfect place for a holiday, as it boasts so many gorgeous beaches, historial sites and a bustling nightlife too. 

The experts noted that holidaymakers could save an impressive £96pp by booking eight months prior, with December being the optimum time to book – so you’ve still got plenty of time to save. 

Much of Croatia’s appeal comes from its sparkling coastline and the many different islands that surround it – each one with its own unique allure. 

There are over one thousand of them in total, with Hvar being one of the most popular.

And with plenty of historial sites to discover in the likes of Split and Dubrovnik, you’re never going to be short of things to do in Croatia. 

(Image: Getty)

Balearic Islands

An ever-popular holiday destination for Brits, the Balearic Islands are the ideal place to spend a week in the sun. 

The islands off the coast of Spain really do have it all – from rugged historical sites to some of the most famous nightclubs in the world, where warm temperatures in summer are guaranteed. 

Mallorca, the largest island, boasts some beautiful hidden beaches around Cala D’Or, with Ibiza being the ideal place to head for a holiday peppered with partying and sightseeing too. 

The Which? experts found that Mallorca that offered the best savings to those booking in December: £90 per person. 

(Image: Getty)

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are another huge hit with British holidaymakers, and it’s not hard to see why. 

The likes of Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria all offer some excellent package holidays that are ideal for unwinding and enjoying the sun and the sea. 

But what’s probably the most impressive about these islands is the stunning natural attractions. From the towering volcanoes of Lanzarote to the black sand beaches of Fuerteventura, you’re guaranteed to be blown away at every turn. 

And although it’s not that much cheaper to book a package holiday in advance – with savings of around £13pp on average – it’s definitely one worth locking in for next year. 

(Image: Getty)