There are various ways to bag a travel deal – from booking your travel early to making all your arrangement – such as flight, hotel and holiday activities – through a single holiday service provider. So, what are some of the smartest ways to cut costs when making your travel arrangements this summer and later in the year?
As mentioned, booking your travel early is one way to bag a great deal. After all, the cheapest seats on flights won’t yet be taken, and hotels will be glad to offer deals in exchange for knowing they’ll have business later on in the year. However, while this method of bargain-hunting is great for travel plans later in the year, it’s a little too late for summer travel. Yet there’s still hope for anyone who wants to find a good deal for a summer holiday.
Just as travel companies reward consumers for booking early, they also offer great insurance for hunters deals to those who wait until the last minute to book. This is because hotels and airlines would rather sell their rooms and seats at a cheaper rate than to have them go empty. By waiting until the last minute, you could very well bag yourself a great deal. However, it’s not advisable to count on getting the deal you want to the destination of your choice if you wait until the last minute. Late deals are best for travellers who have flexible travel dates – and preferably flexible travel destinations. In short, the more flexible your circumstances, the more likely you’ll be able to take advantage of last-minute travel deals.
Another way to cut travel costs is to book your flights, hotels, and holiday activities together through one holiday service provider. Tour operators and travel companies will usually offer discounts if you offer your business to them for all arrangements. Aside from saving you money, it’s usually a lot more convenient to book all your arrangements at once. Think of it as a one-stop-shop for all your travel needs, with the added bonus of bagging a great deal.
Finally, you’ll want to hone in on travel bargains, no matter where you’re searching for deals. Most airline and hotel companies always have a set of deals on offer, no matter what time of year – so whether you’re visiting their website or calling in to their reservations desk, always ask about what deals they have on offer. In some cases, certain deals are given only to customers who ask – particularly when it comes to hotel reservations – so it’s always worth enquiring!
Many people looking for a cheap holiday sometimes try to cut certain aspects – such as insurance – out of the equation, but this often offers false economy. The price of single trip travel insurance can be a pittance compared to what you’d have to shell out if anything went wrong on holiday, so not taking out any form of travel insurance can be extremely risky.
