I'm traveling with 2 friends, while I'm with them we are pre-booking all our accommodation. They leave on the 2nd of Jan. I'm staying on in Amsterdam then wandering over to France to start work on the 13th of Jan.
Should I pre-book my accommodation for the 2-5th of Jan? Will most places be booked up still with New Years party people?
I'd love to have a bit more freedom in this leg of my trip, but I also don't want to bed bed-less for a couple of days.

Cheers
Becca

While I can't speak to that part of the year specifically, I really don't think it'll be necessary to book in advance. Even in high season, I've never had a problem with just making a reservation the day before, or even the morning before, I arrive at a new place.

I would think that while there may be some more travellers over the holidays than other times in the winter, that it will get nowhere close to filling all the accomodation to capacity, since overseas travellers will still be few and far between.

Well it really depends. I've always booked accomodation in advance. But my vacation time is a bit limited. I would suggest booking your hostel at least a few days in advance. Definitely, not the day of. And if you're looking to stay at the famous hostels such as the Flying Pig you have to book way in advance. Also you have a better shot in the middle of the than in towards Friday and the weekend.

id say book ahead...could you get accommodation the day of? Possibly, but personally I don't chance it, especially around New Year's time.

If you pre-book, inquire about their cancelation policy. Most places that I have seen lately have a 24-48 hour no refund or partial refund policy for reserved rooms. Knowing when you have to cancel if your plans change will give you just a tad more flex.

I have probably been lucky, but I have never had much of a problem finding a room a day before or the day that I stroll into a town.

I usually stroll into town, but there have been memorable days (and nights) spent looking in vain for a place to stay. It depends on where you're going.

And yes, that time of year will still be busy. I'd book ahead.

I have actually been in Amsterdam right after new years. (A little tip: all the colored confetti turns to a mud that stains your shoes - so don't wear any nice footwear in case - my brown shoes were partially dyed red). My advice would be to book this city in advance if you want to stay anywhere close to the center of Amsterdam. France you can probably book on arrival.