In the midst of winter’s gloom, it can be hard to picture a sunny getaway. However, as the Spring temperatures start to rise, so do holiday prices – making the early months of the year a great time to book, if you’re able to plan ahead.
Don’t be put off by the admin – spending an afternoon planning an escape can be the perfect antidote to the cold climate. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for booking on a budget.
Consider flying midweek – flight prices are set based on consumer demand, so the most desirable time to fly is the most expensive – which is often the weekend. Try flying midweek to midweek to get a good deal on flights, or play around with the day of the week until you find the best prices.
Avoid inconvenient flight times – similarly, flights are often cheapest at very early or late times of the day. However, whilst it’s easy to get drawn in by low prices, public transport systems might not run early or late enough for you to catch the flight – adding a hefty additional cost for a taxi.
Compare accommodation types – this might seem like a given, but it’s a good idea to check prices of hotels, apartments, Airbnb, and hostels to make sure you’re getting the best deal. It’s easy to overlook hostels as a place for younger travellers only, but many offer private rooms and bathrooms for lower prices than hotels – just be sure to read reviews regarding noise!
Factor in food costs - if your potential accommodation offers a kitchen, factor in the savings you can make by cooking yourself, which might mean you can budget slightly more to stay there. Be careful though – it’s easy to be overly ambitious when estimating how much you might cook yourself on holiday.
Use price comparison sites wisely – price comparison websites are a handy tool when choosing flights and accommodation, but many take a commission if you book through them – resulting in a higher price than booking direct. At the final stage before booking, shop around for the same product from alternative websites, including looking at the airline or hotel directly.
Consider a staycation – if booking a trip abroad is too much of a financial stretch, we’d recommend considering a holiday in the UK, particularly if you’re booking a family trip during the school holidays. Skipping the flights will not only save you money – including transport to and from airports – but also time, allowing you to maximise your time unwinding with family.
