A bargain holiday insider has given their top tips for booking a cheap break.
Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked winter getaway, or already looking ahead to summer 2023, finding ways to cut outgoings will likely be playing on your mind at the moment.
The costs of getaways to most holidays hotspots has risen considerably in the past year, while expenses at home have gone up massively.
A week's holiday in Greece is likely to cost £500 more on average this year than in 2021, according to one bit of analysis by Eurochange.
The general trend doesn't mean that there are no bargains to be grabbed however.
Iona Wark, senior holiday product manager at loveholidays, has shared some useful insider tips with the Mirror on how to get more for your money.
1. Book at the right time to lock-in the best prices
Booking early means you can secure the exact dates you want and, while airfares are dependent on a range of factors, they are often cheaper when you book in advance as prices tend to go up as seats fill.
For the ultra organised among us, airlines have already started releasing their 2024 flight schedules.
That said, if you’re feeling spontaneous and want to book a last-minute break, it’s still possible to find late deals if you’re open to when and where you travel.
Many travel companies work with hotel suppliers to agree discounted rates on any last-minute availability, helping customers get the lowest prices possible.
2. Consider different destinations
With so much of the world to discover, being open to trying different destinations could help you save considerable amounts of money.
While booking your flights and accommodation is one thing, there are also the expenses while you’re away to contend with - whether that be eating out, exploring local attractions or simply getting to your hotel - and these costs can vary significantly by destination.
You can search for deals based on facilities, board-basis, budget, TripAdvisor rating and even the type of swimming pool on through travel companies' websites.
You're sure to find good value destinations you never dreamed of visiting.
3. Opt for all-inclusive
All-inclusive deals are another potential way of helping you to stay in control of your holiday costs.
With all your snacks, meals and beverages included in the price you pay upfront, you can worry less while you’re away and focus on enjoying your holiday.
Many hotels and resorts also offer half-board, which factors your breakfast and dinner into your accommodation price.
This is a great option as it means the majority of your meals are paid for upfront but also gives you the flexibility to venture out to eat when you fancy it.
4. Be flexible on dates
If you have school-age children, travelling in term time might not be an option for you.
The good news is there still tends to be cheaper times to travel within the summer holidays.
Late August can be almost 12% cheaper than July, while flying mid-week is also likely to help cut costs.
For those with more flexibility on dates, the difference between peak and off-peak prices can be substantial.
If you’re planning a summer getaway for example, waiting until the kids are back at school can give you a lot more choice at lower prices.
If you don’t have children, make sure you’re also aware of the lesser known half-term holiday dates during spring and autumn, which differ depending on what part of the country you’re in.
loveholidays enables you to search for your holiday without adding dates so you can find the best prices.
Once you’ve selected your hotel, use the calendar feature to easily compare prices on any departure date to bag the best deal.
5. Look out for the best deals
No matter when you’re booking your break, there are always deals to be had.
Whether it be the airport you fly from (smaller, regional airports tend to be cheaper) or simply the provider/website you book with, keep your eyes peeled for the best prices.
If you book with loveholidays and find your holiday available at a lower price on any other UK-based travel website, within 24 hours of your booking being confirmed, the company will refund the difference to you.
6. Set yourself a holiday budget
If you’re worried about going overboard on spending, setting yourself a budget before going away gives you a good idea of what you have to play with.
Make sure you’ve accounted for all of your holiday-related expenses in your budget; things like tourist tax and visas for certain destinations can catch you off guard, while transport costs also add up.
If you plan to drive to the airport, parking gets more expensive closer to your departure date, so aim to book this at the same time as your flights and accommodation.
When it comes to getting around while you’re away, consider booking a shuttle or shared transfer to and from the airport to help keep costs down.
