Thanks to Oz B I have booked a trip with Air NZ for my family of 4 in Feb (2nd to 21st).
While searching through multiple hotel booking sights I am unsure as to whether I should book my accommodation sooner rather than later. It is low season so I am thinking about holding off till after Christmas. Some bookings are cheaper if I pay now or more if book with a late cancellation option.
Travelling to LA, Anaheim, Las Vegas and San Francisco and very flexible with dates.
Any thoughts/ suggestions when the best time to book is????
Factors to consider.
The quality of accommodation you require. I found mid range accommodation a few years ago was relatively cheap booking only a few days in advance. Feb is winter on the west coast and you should find reasonable accommodation.
Prebooking AND paying now means you lock in at todays exchange rates, which unfortunately only a crystal ball will tell you if that's good.
Prebooking means it's very hard to change plans. Have you got a set itinerary already?
Are you travelling around by car or public transport? Given the cities you mentioned a car is a very cheap and flexible way to see the US, and it gives you opportunities that are not available if you use public transport.
eg a drive from LA to Las Vegas takes about 5 hours (unless you drive during peak hour) and with 4 people that will save you quite a lot, vs planes/taxi's etc to do the same trip.
In Las Vegas if you visit M-Thur you can save a bundle on accommodation, and with a car you can stay off the strip and save more.
If you like shopping, having a car is the best way to go to malls and outlets which using taxis or other public transport makes the cost rather prohibitive.
Then you can travel to San Fran from Las Vegas and see death Valley, Yosemite etc.
Again travelling through, having some flexibiity means if you find you like a place you can stay longer etc.
Hope that gives you a little start.
Prebooking first and last nights accommodation is always a must.