As we head towards the winter, thoughts are already turning to summer holidays for next year, with people already planning on their trips to the sun.
With the cost-of-living crisis making everyone tighten their belts, there are ways you can grab a bargain when looking at foreign getaways. And also, there are several handy tips that can keep the costs of your trip down, like booking early and choosing to go all-inclusive.
Iona Wark, senior holiday product manager at loveholidays, has some useful inside info on how to get more for your money, reports the Mirror.
1. Book at the right time to lock-in the best prices
Booking early means you can secure the exact dates you want and airfares are often cheaper. For the ultra organised among us, airlines have already started releasing their 2024 flight schedules.
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 companies work with hotel suppliers to agree discounted rates on any last-minute availability, helping customers get the lowest prices.
2. Consider different destinations
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 – eating out, exploring local attractions or 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 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 way of helping you to stay in control of your costs. With all your snacks, meals and beverages included in the price you pay upfront, you can 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, but also gives you the flexibility to eat out if 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 per cent cheaper than July, while flying midweek 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, 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.
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 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; 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.
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