[Ray]

Depends what you are comfortable doing.

I've never booked ahead unless I know I'm going to be in the same place for a few days.

If you don't book ahead and want to tour (or tear) round all over theres no pressure to get somewhere by a certain day/time.

Taken that approach out of the school holidays but it's more of a risk when the holidays are on or a local event means accommodation is in demand.

Ray.