If there’s one thing everyone I know is always happy to hear about, it a cheap holiday deal. We’re all desperate to be able to while away a few hours in the sun, feeling our troubles drift away as we relax somewhere a little different for a while, and if we can do it cheaply, then all the better. Going on holiday when money is tight can seem like an impossible dream sometimes, but every time one of my friends jets off for a cheap break, we all celebrate. It reminds us that even though living feels expensive these days, all-out holidays needn’t be – and that’s why we all share our tips for cheap holidays.
Book Well in Advance
Booking your holiday long before you’re actually ready to go can be a great way of saving money. By being on the ball, you can enjoy the chance to enjoy early bird deals and make sure you get your choices of flights and hotels. Booking early is best if you already have a very firm idea of where you want to go and how many people are coming. But the good thing about early bookings is that they tend to be more flexible than late ones, meaning you’re more likely to be able to make changes to your arrangements if needed.
Book Last Minute
On the other hand, you can get some great bargains by waiting and booking at the very last possible minute. Hotels and airlines will sometimes sell off their goods cheaply if it looks as though they could end up being unbooked, and this can offer you a great chance to grab a bargain. However, you’re better off only booking at the last minute if you’re very flexible about where you go, as you never know where you’re going to find the best deal- it could be somewhere you’re never even thought of visiting before, so keep an open mind.
Look For All-Inclusive Deals
A dirt-cheap flight is great, but only if you’re also going to be able to find somewhere to stay that doesn’t cost the earth. Don’t get carried away by one cheap element of a holiday, make sure you look at the bigger picture – the saving you make in one area could end up being spent two times elsewhere. Look for all-inclusive deals where possible, to enjoy savings with no nasty surprises.
Ask for Help
While you can sometimes find great deals yourself, it can be difficult to make sure you’re not making any mistakes that could put a dampener on your holiday. The last thing you want to do is book a great sounding hotel that’s actually many inconvenient miles from the airport and all of the local amenities you were hoping to enjoy. Turn to a professional travel agent to help you ferret out the best possible cheap holidays, especially if you’re planning on going somewhere you’ve never been before.
Cheap holidays don’t have to be a pipe dream, just follow these tips and always keep your eyes open for a bargain.
Jennifer is a part of the digital blogging team at digitalcrosstalk.com who works with a growing number of travel brands. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in travel news, check out my posts at digitalcrosstalk.com or visit my Twitter account, @dcrosstalk