The early bird catches the offers

With 2011 drawing to a close, you'll no doubt be looking to the New Year and thinking about the various short breaks you can take. There are various advantages to making an early booking, giving you all the incentive you need to embark on an exciting holiday in 2012.

Cheaper fares

Many ferry operators are enticing customers with cheaper fares at the moment, possibly even throwing in a few added extras to make a short break all the more appealing.

There are a few tricks to securing the best ferry deals, with the main one being flexibility. The greater your ability to compromise on sailing times and dates, the better bargains will be at your fingertips. Mid-week crossings are generally cheaper than those at weekends and are worth looking at if you want to secure the cheapest price possible.

Avoiding school holidays is also a good way to avoid paying more than necessary for your ferry crossing. The travel industry tends to increase prices at these times of year, so holidaymakers without kids will benefit greatly from travelling off-peak.

Making a booking more than 28 days in advance often gives the widest variety of sailings, as well as the best prices. Holding out for a last-minute bargain may not pay off, so think about booking early to secure the cheapest deals.

Give yourself more planning time

Arriving at a destination after making a last-minute reservation can make the break a little more stressful, especially if there hasn't been enough time to research what there is to see and do. By getting in early, you'll have plenty of time to scour the internet for the best attractions in the area, or even get hold of a guide book or two for inspiration.

Some activities may also be cheaper if booked in advance, so it will not only be ferry fares that passengers can reduce the cost of in 2012.

Greater choice of accommodation

Another pitfall of making a late booking is not being able to secure the accommodation you want. Hotels in popular destinations will often receive bookings well in advance, leaving passengers with whatever is left over.

In a worst case scenario, a place may not be available for the entire duration of your stay, leaving you to up sticks and move to alternative accommodation mid-way through your trip.

If you have your eye on a certain B&B in Bilbao, or there's a specific gite in Le Have that you just have to have, early booking is most definitely recommended. There is also the chance that the accommodation may be cheaper if you arrange it with plenty of time to go, with some establishments offering discounts when multiple nights are booked.

Easier to arrange time off work

In workplaces where strict rules are in place regarding holiday arrangements, booking early could well be to your advantage. Being able to submit your holiday preferences as soon as possible is likely to mean that you can get the days off you want, making it easier to arrange your break.

Have something to look forward to

Giving yourself something to look forward to in the New Year is a good thing, as things can often fall pretty flat once the festive season is over. You can put all your effort into planning the perfect break, giving yourself something to focus on after the Christmas tree and decorations have been put away for another year.

Where should I go?

There are so many European destinations that are easy to get to by ferry that it could be hard to narrow down the choices.

An enduringly popular destination is Amsterdam, which is likely to be just as popular in 2012 as in previous years. A number of events are planned over the next 12 months, including the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival that will run from April 17th-28th 2012.

Amsterdam International Fashion Week is another must see, which takes place from January 25th-29th next year.

Alternatively, a trip to St Malo could be just what you're after in 2012. Aside from the location's historical and cultural highlights, it also hosts the La Route du Rock festival, which will take place from February 15th-19th. It is the festival's seventh winter outing in what is a must for rock and pop fans throughout Europe.

If ferries to Ireland are more likely to be your thing in 2012, then Titanic Belfast could be just the place to visit. Opening in April next year, the six-floored building is located next to the site where the iconic ship was built. Highlights include the Arrol Gantry and Shipyard ride and the chance to watch the ship's launch as spectators would have seen it back in 1912. There is also the opportunity to see the wreckage through the unique Ocean Exploration Centre.