Booking a holiday should be just as fun as taking it, but with all the financial stresses people find themselves under, sometimes it seems finding and booking your holiday becomes a daunting task.
You had probably saved money on holidays before, whether you went last minute or booked directly with the hotel. The internet has opened up means to save money even more money when it comes to booking your holiday, as well as ensuring you find the holiday that is right for you.
(Image from Flickr: Thanks to Mike Baird)
If you are planning on booking your holiday soon, and you want to save money, then there are several golden rules on what you should do. These rules can help you save money on your next holiday, so read on:
Take a flexible approach to destinations
The cost of a holiday is dictated by the destination on which you want to travel to, so it is best to be completely open to lots of potential destination ideas that will be thrown at you.
Another factor to consider is what that destination has to offer. Think about what activities you want participate in whilst you are away. Activities such as skiing, surfing or destinations that are rich in history in culture, can be quite expensive.
When you are looking for your next holiday, try and be as open to the destination and the resort type that you wish to stay in. The more flexible you are, the better deal you are most likely to get.
Book in advance or book last minute
Most cheap holidays that you may have seen previously have probably been all last minute deals. With most last minute deals you can save a fortune, as hotel groups, flight companies, holiday agents, want to fill all their spaces to maximise their financial return. This puts you in the driving seat, and gives you a certain control if you want to negotiate on any prices.
How does booking in advance save you money? No one really knows what the future holds, so prices for holidays can be quite low to start with, especially if you plan to book 12 months ahead.
Prices steadily rise as it approaches the holiday dates, so book early, or last minute to get the best deals.
Be flexible on time
If you are being flexible with your destination, is makes even more sense to be flexible with time. This can include; the days that you travel, the length of your holiday and the time of your flights. All of these can impact price significantly.
The more flexible you are with all of these elements of time, then the cheaper your holiday will be.
Have a flexible approach to the holiday package
Most holiday packages will include the obvious flights and accommodation, however there is always a raft of other items that will get added on to your holiday ‘deal’. Having a flexible approach to this, can help you save money.
You may want to opt for a coach transfer, as opposed to a taxi. You may want to buy theme park tickets, from the park directly, online or when you get there. Do some research before you book your holiday to see if any of these elements of your holiday can be booked cheaper elsewhere.
Two for the price of one
Most holiday packages, and their costs, are based on two people sharing. So, if you are travelling by yourself you may have to pay a surcharge on your accommodation.
It may work out cheaper for you if you bring a friend along with you.
Book more days for less
Normally, package holidays have a set number of days that you can travel to and from your destination; however some are flexible on adding extra days, at very little cost.
If you feel that you need to spend a few more days at your holiday destination, first ask your travel agents, or if they can’t help, try speaking direct to the accommodation or seek alternatives within the area.
An important aspect of this rule is, if you do extend your stay, make sure you have the means to get back home.
Bigger airport hubs are best
If your holiday has a flight from a smaller airport, with a surcharge attached, consider booking your flights separately from one of the bigger airport hubs. It is important to research this option thoroughly just to see if you can get a better price by booking directly.
Travel from another country
You may feel that when you book your holiday, you pay just as much in the different taxes and charges, as you do for the holiday itself.
As the internet has opened up a number of different ways to book, and for what country you book from, and you can save some big money off your holiday. This may mean flying out to another country to depart on your holiday.
If flying out to another country is not your thing, then have a look on this website.
Enquire about a basic and ask about upgrades
Another good tip to save money on your holiday would be to enquire about a basic hotel, in a destination of your choice, to start. At this point ask about what their upgrade policy is, should you change your mind.
The reason for this is that you will pay very little on top of your booking for an upgrade, when compared to booking the upgrade option to start with.
If you have followed these rules, and tips, you may have a lot to think about when it comes to making a decision on where you plan to book your next holiday.
Make sure you get quotes so you can research the hotels, flight providers and travel agents before you book. Ensure that you look online for the quality of the accommodation and the area, and double check the price that you have been quoted by looking at a few of the travel supermarkets you can find online.
This just gives you the peace of mind that you need when it comes to booking your holiday.