Irish people are playing a risky game by delaying their summer holiday bookings, travel experts have warned.

A survey by Irish travel company Click & Go found that 68% of people have not booked a summer holiday yet – but 93% of those people say they still plan on going on holiday.  

Click & Go CEO Paul Hackett told Newstalk Breakfast that most people are waiting for the prices of flights and accommodation to drop before booking their holiday.  

"I think it is a case of [people] expecting prices to go down," he said. "With inflation the way it is, the cost of fuel the way it is and with airfare tickets, the way they’ve jumped … that’s not going to happen.

Mr Hackett said Irish people should remember that they are not the only people “in need of a bit of sunshine”. 

He said: “We make up about 2% of the total Europeans on holiday markets – so while we're sitting on our hands, the UK, the Scandinavians, the Germans are booking developers are booking in their droves.” 

Mr Hackett said hoteliers across the “sunbelt” are reporting high booking levels – and Irish people should stop waiting for the costs to go down.  

Airline costs 

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary previously told Newstalk Breakfast that plane fares are only going to increase as time continues.  

Mr Hackett agreed: “Consumers need to understand that airlines understand school holidays, and they're going to punish parents who just hold back until it's closer to the school holiday time.” 

“The good stuff as we all know tends to sell out fast – and I would say to consumers 'what is your alternative?’.” 

“We know the weather in Ireland is not the reason we stayed here.” 

Travel agents 

Mr Hackett said consumers should “get savvy” and reach out to travel agents to find deals on travelling.  

He said: “Travel Agents can find them the very best deals [and] affordable options to book with low deposit even for the summer. 

“Spread the payments to get it booked. Get your holiday in the bag and get off the island.”