Looking to make your holiday budget stretch even further this year? You’ve come to the right place.
If you’re one of the many people still prioritising travel, even with the rising cost of living, finding ways to get more value for money has become increasingly important.
In this article, we delve into how you can find the best travel deals, so you don’t have to scale back your holiday plans this year.
Book at the right time
One of the best ways to ensure you get the best prices for a holiday is to book at the right time. Doing so in advance is usually ideal, although you can get excellent deals by booking last minute too.
You’ll typically find flights and hotel bookings are cheapest around 3 to 6 months before you go, so use this to help you plan. For peak holiday periods, such as the school holidays, booking at least 6 months in advance is recommended.
Shop around
There’s certainly no harm in shopping around with different providers. Comparing prices directly or by using comparison sites gives you a better idea of what’s good value and what’s not. You may be able to get amazing deals by booking directly, so don’t be too reliant on comparison websites.
Consider your travel dates and times
Tiny changes in dates and times can make massive differences when it comes to securing the best prices. Flexibility allows you to access dates when airlines and accommodation providers have less demand, giving you cheaper rates in return.
If you’re without kids or not limited to certain times of the year, avoiding school holiday periods can slash prices considerably. Travelling midweek is also often cheaper than weekends if you have the freedom to do that. Tinker around with dates and times to see which affords you the biggest savings.
Compare package deals and separate bookings
People often choose between package deals and separate bookings for flights and accommodation. One isn’t necessarily cheaper or better value than the other, but it’s always worth comparing. Factor in the cost of food, drink and other expenses, because this is likely to have a big impact on the overall holiday cost.
For most, it comes down to convenience. For example, if you want to pay a little more for an organised tour of Japan rather than having to worry about booking things individually, this can make for a more relaxing and fulfilling experience.
Set up price alerts
One final tip is to set up price alerts with different comparison sites and holiday providers. By signing up for specific destinations, airlines or companies, you’ll receive notifications when prices drop, allowing you to book when rates are at their lowest.
If you’re flexible with travel plans, this can be a fantastic way to cut the cost of travel significantly while enjoying all the same benefits and features. Happy holidaying!
