Tips on saving money when booking a holiday abroad
Laura Jane Smith asked:
Be careful when flying from other airports and do your homework first because sometimes car parking charges and train tickets can become more expensive when you are trying to save.
Think about the destination before you go try to consider the exchange rate. If one is not good now it is unlikely to improve massively before your holidays. Places to go include turkey, USA, morocco and the far east which all have a better exchange rate and in turn more for your money.
Look at fares to nearby cities, especially if flying to the United States or Europe. Sometimes the savings will more than cover ground transportation to your desired city. Then you can add the cheaper airport’s city to your itinerary making your holiday a two stop destination and being able to see more of the country you are visiting.
Reduce the travel fare by 20% and consider bidding for tickets in a travel auction like Ebay or priceline. Read the rules before you start bidding and make sure you understand them. You can also bid for train and coach travel.
Make sure you set your budget and stick to it. You think about flights, transfers, holiday spending money and accommodation costs. When booking the travel begin fare searches using sites like Expedia or Travelocity, or Skyscanner. Punch in a variety of dates, and record the lowest fares.
Make sure you set the budget for your accommodation before you start looking. Once you have set your budget it is important that you don’t go over this, there is always a more luxurious, expensive option, once you have set your budget stick to it. Outside of peak times, you may be able to negotiate with the owner or agent for a reduced rental price, even if it is only £25 off, you can also ask for transfers, free air conditioning, reduced rate into local attractions, do remember that the owner/agent will have overheads and the price will be set accordingly.
Ask if your transfers included or are they extra if you are arranging a self packaged holiday? If you are renting a villa privately make sure you check about air conditioning, sheets and linen, pool heating, ski lift passes. Find out all your extras before you go by asking this will save on packing the ‘just in case’ items or if you think you can take something from home instead of paying for it.
If a one-way ticket is desired, check the round-trip fares. Sometimes they are actually cheaper. Avoid using different airlines for each segment of the trip. Stay with one airline or its affiliate as it works out a lot cheaper for you.
Make sure you check the terms and conditions and read your terms and conditions for extras. Many of the budget airlines now charge for meals on the flight. Instead of opting for an inflight meal, save yourself some money and pack a small packed meal, with things you like for a fraction of the price.
Be careful when flying from other airports and do your homework first because sometimes car parking charges and train tickets can become more expensive when you are trying to save.
Think about the destination before you go try to consider the exchange rate. If one is not good now it is unlikely to improve massively before your holidays. Places to go include turkey, USA, morocco and the far east which all have a better exchange rate and in turn more for your money.
Look at fares to nearby cities, especially if flying to the United States or Europe. Sometimes the savings will more than cover ground transportation to your desired city. Then you can add the cheaper airport’s city to your itinerary making your holiday a two stop destination and being able to see more of the country you are visiting.
Reduce the travel fare by 20% and consider bidding for tickets in a travel auction like Ebay or priceline. Read the rules before you start bidding and make sure you understand them. You can also bid for train and coach travel.
Make sure you set your budget and stick to it. You think about flights, transfers, holiday spending money and accommodation costs. When booking the travel begin fare searches using sites like Expedia or Travelocity, or Skyscanner. Punch in a variety of dates, and record the lowest fares.
Make sure you set the budget for your accommodation before you start looking. Once you have set your budget it is important that you don’t go over this, there is always a more luxurious, expensive option, once you have set your budget stick to it. Outside of peak times, you may be able to negotiate with the owner or agent for a reduced rental price, even if it is only £25 off, you can also ask for transfers, free air conditioning, reduced rate into local attractions, do remember that the owner/agent will have overheads and the price will be set accordingly.
Ask if your transfers included or are they extra if you are arranging a self packaged holiday? If you are renting a villa privately make sure you check about air conditioning, sheets and linen, pool heating, ski lift passes. Find out all your extras before you go by asking this will save on packing the ‘just in case’ items or if you think you can take something from home instead of paying for it.
If a one-way ticket is desired, check the round-trip fares. Sometimes they are actually cheaper. Avoid using different airlines for each segment of the trip. Stay with one airline or its affiliate as it works out a lot cheaper for you.
Make sure you check the terms and conditions and read your terms and conditions for extras. Many of the budget airlines now charge for meals on the flight. Instead of opting for an inflight meal, save yourself some money and pack a small packed meal, with things you like for a fraction of the price.