How to Save Money on a Package Holiday
Package holidays offer one of the most convenient ways to get away from home and enjoy a relaxing break. Everything is included when you book a package holiday, your flights, accommodation, transfers and sometimes baggage. You can even get package holidays with all your food and drink included in the price. This alone can help to save you and your family a significant amount of money. However, there are other ways you can save even more money on a package holiday; follow our tips to grab a bargain vacation.
Book on a weekday
Holiday companies understand that families take time out of their busy schedules to book their holidays. They need to research and find the best location; this takes time and is often left until the weekend when there are no work distractions to get in the way. Package holiday costs are always fluctuating; you might find yourself paying more if you choose to book at the weekend. The best days to book a package holiday are during the week; on a Monday, tour operators often reduce their prices to encourage those who haven't purchased at the weekend to buy. Avoid booking at the weekend; instead, opt for a weekday to save some extra money.
Shop around
You should shop around and look at various websites and holiday providers when looking at holiday packages. Each will have its own offers and deals that you can use to get a better price on your next package holiday. You could get the same package holiday but pay £100 less or more from a different provider. Look out for additional discounts if you sign up to their email list or book within a particular time frame.
Book early or late
The best time to book your next package holiday is in advance or at the last minute. If you need to plan so you can book time off work and ensure everything is arranged well in advance, you’re better to book early; you can get some great discounts by booking a year or two in advance. Holiday companies will also have a range of last-minute deals you can take advantage of if you have the flexibility and aren’t too worried about where you’re going.
Look for discounts on extras
When you see the initial total cost of the holiday, this is unlikely to include additional baggage, car hire, travel insurance and airport parking. If you need these things, look for a package holiday provider that offers discounts on parking at Stansted airport and other extras you want to purchase. Even if they provide a price, you should always shop around as you could secure airport parking, travel insurance and other extras for less from a third-party provider.
Book out of season
If you need to travel in the summer, it will be much more expensive than a holiday booked outside the main summer holiday period. If you don’t have children, you’re best to look for packages when the kids have gone back to school or before they break up. You can get great deals on holidays in June and September, avoiding the July and August rush.
Travel light
Many package holidays don’t include the price of baggage; you can expect to pay an additional £30-£50 per bag each way. This can really begin to add up if you’re a large family with lots of luggage. If you go over the baggage allowance, you can expect to pay even more at the airport in charges. You'll save a lot of money if you can travel light and just take hand luggage. To do this, you should plan out your outfits and select items you can mix and match. Most of the time when you take a large suitcase you won’t wear or use everything you take. Calling ahead to check the hotel or accommodation you’re staying in can provide things like soap, shower gel, shampoo, a hair dryer and towels; this will save you lots of space in your limited baggage. Once you get used to travelling with only hand luggage, it becomes easy; you’ll have less to carry and will save so much money and time
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