One of the most important ways to book cheap holiday online is by being flexible with your dates. Websites like Kayak, Skyscanner and Google Flights will show you if you could save money by travelling earlier or later in the week.
It’s also worth checking that you have a travel insurance policy.
Book Far in Advance
One of the most common ways to save money on holiday bookings is by searching far in advance. Prices will usually rise as the departure date approaches and leaving it until the last minute can be a risky strategy.
You can find deals on packages by using websites like Teletext holidays, but also check out specialist search tools. Sites like Skyscanner offer a comprehensive search that compares flight times and prices to make finding the perfect trip easier. Plus, the website also searches hotels and car hire deals to help you piece together the different parts of your holiday.
When you’re searching for holiday deals, it’s worth using a private browser or incognito mode. This will prevent travel sites from seeing your previous searches and hiking up prices to make you book quickly. Also, remember to always book your holiday with a credit card as it’ll offer more protection in the event of any issues.
Stay Off-Season
The easiest way to save on a holiday is to avoid peak-season dates. Prices are higher during school holidays and at times of year when lots of locals want to take a vacation, like over the Christmas or Easter break.
Hotels and resorts are often desperate to fill rooms during these times, so they will cut rates or offer perks like spa credits to lure you in. You can also save on flights by travelling outside the peak season – early January, late April (after Easter) and May are usually cheaper than summer holidays.
Flexibility over your travel dates will also help you score a cheap holiday, as prices change based on demand. Websites like Skyscanner and Momondo can let you know if you could save money by flying on a different day of the week or travelling Saturday to Tuesday instead of Friday-Sunday. It’s also worth checking out package holidays that combine transport, accommodation and meals/booze in one price.
Book Non-Direct Flights
Flight prices are expected to continue increasing this summer due to high demand for holiday travel, so you can save money by booking non-direct flights. Use Google Flights to search to – and from – multiple airports in your destination region. Also consider using stopovers to see more than one city for the price of a single flight.
Depending on your budget and where you want to go, all-inclusive holidays can be a great way to keep costs down. Many travel agencies offer all-inclusive packages that include accommodation, meals and drinks – so you don’t need to worry about the cost of food and drink when you’re on vacation.
Another option is to build your own holiday online – you can find some amazing deals on hotel and flight booking websites. Just be sure to book your trip with a trusted company that offers financial protection in case hotels or airlines close or experience disruption during your stay.
Book with a Travel Agent
If you’re still struggling to find the best deals on your holiday, booking with a travel agent may be worth the extra cost. They can help you secure airline discounts, codes and coupons that aren’t widely available online. Plus, they can help you plan a whole package in a much shorter time frame than you could do on your own.
Keeping your dates flexible is another way to save money on holiday flights and accommodation. For example, it’s usually cheaper to fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday than a Friday or Saturday. And, if you’re willing to skip the weekend you can often find great hotel deals on Tuesday or Thursday nights too.
As peak season approaches, it’s important to book early to ensure you get the holidays you want at a price that fits your budget. By following these simple booking hacks, you can maximise your chances of securing a cheap holiday and enjoy the sunshine. book cheap holiday online
