How to Book Cheap Holiday Online
The holiday season is nearly upon us and, despite the fact that things are tightening up, it’s still possible to bag some great value travel deals. Whether you’re thinking of jetting off to your local beach or heading further afield, booking online is quick, easy and often a lot cheaper than visiting a travel agent.
It’s worth checking the small print before booking though, especially if you’re buying anything expensive. Read it carefully to make sure you’re fully covered in the event that you need to cancel your trip. Also check that you’re getting the best deal on your flights and accommodation by looking at comparison websites.
Using comparison sites like Icelolly, Expedia and TravelSupermarket is a good idea because they’ll search the whole market for you and show you prices for everything from flights to hotels and car hire. It’s also worth remembering that you can save money by being flexible about your dates. Flights are usually cheaper if you avoid Friday and Saturday nights, for example.
If you’re travelling as a family, then it might be worth considering a package holiday. This is a trip put together by a tour operator and can include flights, accommodation, meals and transfers. They can be quick to book and, if you have kids, they take the stress out of traveling by making sure you have access to child-friendly restaurants and activities.
When it comes to all-inclusive holidays, you can also get a great deal by booking last minute. This is because as the date approaches, airline and hotel operators will try to sell their empty seats and rooms at a reduced price. It’s a risky strategy, but it can often work, particularly if you’re happy to be spontaneous.
If you’re looking to book a cruise, it can be worth calling two or three different travel agents to see who can offer the best price for your chosen ship and itinerary. It’s not always easy to haggle, but it’s worth a go. Even if they can’t slash the price, they may be able to add in extras such as drinks or meals at the hotel.
It’s always a good idea to use comparison websites to compare package holidays. But you can also look at specific cruise or tour operators’ websites to find out their latest offers. Just make sure to clear your cookies before searching as this will prevent websites from putting up their prices based on your previous searches. It’s also worth bearing in mind that booking through a credit card will ensure you are fully protected should something go wrong with your trip. That way, you can claim on your insurance and receive a refund. You can also protect yourself by choosing to book through a company that is bonded with the Association of British Insurers (ABI). This means they must adhere to certain consumer protection rules. Check out our guide to finding a cheap cruise holiday for more information on this. book cheap holiday online
