How To Save Money Buying Travel Online
And Get The Best Deal
by: Jolana Klobouk
Want to save some money when booking your travel online? Here are some
tips to help you do just that. You at home have access to thousands
of travel deals with the click of a mouse.
1. Sign up for travel e-newsletters
Many airlines, tour operators, online travel agencies and travel sites
have newsletters that they will send you via email; these usually include
their latest travel deals.
2. Shop around
Check various travel sites and make sure you are comparing apples to
apples, know what is included. That great cruise deal may not include
airfare to the port! Also check in with a travel agent to compare prices.
They may in fact have a better travel deal for you.
3. Consider all possible discounts
Do you have Air Miles or frequent flyer miles you can cash in? AAA/CAA
membership or other affiliations? Ask about child or senior discounts.
Do they have family rates or group rates? Don't be afraid to ask.
4. Make the travel web sites do the work
Some of them will let you specify the dates of travel and vacation
you are looking for and will send you an email when the price reaches
your limit.
5. Read your newspaper’s travel section
The Saturday travel sections in most newspapers are still a good source
for travel news, tips and last minute travel deals, departing from your
city. Read them religiously.
6. Do some negotiating of your own.
Just ask for a deal or a better price! This will usually work if you
are dealing with a hotel or car rental company directly. It may also
work with some travel agents.
7. Travel in off-season.
Off-season will vary depending on where you are travelling so do your
research and find out when that is. Off-season includes winter for Europe,
summer and fall for the Caribbean, and when the kids are in school for
theme parks like Disney and so on.
8. Traveling during the week can save you money
Saturday and flights during the week are less crowded and therfore
more likely to have last minute discounting. Some companies charge a
bit less for vacation package that leave mid-week. Many business hotels
may also charge less on weekends.
9. Book last minute
When looking for a last minute travel deal, start shopping around about
6 weeks prior to your departure to get a good idea for prices and availability.
Narrow down where you want to go and compare some prices. About 3 weeks
prior to departure is probably your best time to book. When you notice
packages begin to sell out, you want to book before you miss out on
that travel deal. The prices only go so low and sometimes sell out before
they really drop in price.
10. Book early
Some of the best deals may be had booking early. Most tour operators
and cruise companies offer discounts for early booking. If there is
a specific date you want to travel and or you have a specific resort
or destination in mind, you are better off to book early and secure
your vacation than to risk waiting for a last minute travel deal that
may or may not happen.
Keep in mind the cheaper is not always better. If you save a few hundred
dollars by adding lots of stops to your flight or staying in a hotel
you are not happy with, it won't be worth it. Save some money but don't
compromise too much with what you really want and need.
About The Author - Jolana Klobouk is the webmaster of
http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com.
A parent and former travel agent, she has travelled extensively for
work and vacations with her family.
|
