Some of us may be planning to jet off on a break during the next few months.
Barrhead Travel says reports have shown that people are more eager than ever to get their annual summer holidays locked in this year.
Belfast travel expert Kelly Hutchinson, Branch Manager at Barrhead Travel, has shared some money saving advice if you’ve still to book your holiday this year.
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She said: “Summer is synonymous with holidays! It’s the season we all look forward to every single year; a chance to spend quality time with friends and family, explore new places, go on adventures, and make memories with the people we love the most.
“Although it’s always worth it when your face first hits the sun, planning a holiday all by yourself can be a time-consuming and costly activity. By taking some precautionary steps and planning ahead you could really be saving yourself hundreds and making for a much more stress-free holiday."
Here are Kelly's top tips:
Book with a reputable travel agent
Travelling across the world, no matter how far, is no small feat. So, consider using a trusted and experienced travel agent to completely transform the planning process.
With a wealth of knowledge and resources on hand, we can guarantee expert advice to suit your budgets and financial protection in case something goes wrong.
Travel agents are also a great tool for securing exclusive tours, excursions and activities at a discounted rate, alleviating any stress and pressure to do it yourself.
Try something new
If you don’t have a definite destination in mind, it might be useful to consider more unique holiday spots.
The most popular European hot-spots, including Spain, Portugal and Greece, all have off-the-beaten track alternatives which will likely have higher availability at lower price-point, particularly when booking late.
Travelling to countries where the pound is worth more against the local currency, such as Turkey or Egypt, can help your budget go further.
Plus, heading to lesser-known areas supports local tourism economies and can open your eyes to a completely different perspective of the country.
Be flexible
Flexibility is key when booking a summer holiday. Being flexible with destination, departure airport and duration can all help when looking for a holiday within your budget. Even the day you leave can have a significant impact on costs and savings – something your local travel agent can advise you on.
Odd durations which fall outside the usual week or fortnight can often offer better value for money.
Why not set sail?
Cruising is a fantastic way to travel and there are still excellent offers on some itineraries this summer, particularly in the Mediterranean with convenient departures from ports across the UK or you European port cities like Barcelona.
As well as being inclusive of food, drink and onboard experiences, you’ll pack just once but enjoy multiple destinations in one trip – perfect if you can’t decide where you’d like to go! Families love cruising as there’s something for all ages and most ships have dedicated kids’ clubs and entertainment.
Don’t forget travel insurance.
Travel insurance can often be forgotten or left to the last minute, but it’s one of the most essential purchases any holidaymaker should make.
It can cover unexpected and unwanted costs – from illness or accidents abroad to changes in circumstances before you travel.
Doing your research before purchasing a policy that covers you and your family’s needs could ultimately save you money in the long run.
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