All of us will need to escape from our hectic daily lives from time to time. Whether referring to a trip to southern Spain or a visit to a relative in the United States, the fact of the matter is that a well-prepared holiday can be just what the doctor ordered. However, preparation is key if we wish to avoid common pitfalls as well as save money along the way. Let us now take a look at some sure-fire suggestions to keep in mind so that you can book a holiday without suffering any unnecessary hassles.
Top Booking Suggestions
The main concept to keep in mind is that you will literally pay for any mistake that are made along the way. The most common errors is to put off making reservations until the last minute. Not only will you be forced to pay higher travel costs, but certain hotels may no longer be vacant. It is generally wise to make reservations (travel and accommodations) at least 10 weeks before the intended departure date. Also, take a look online and utilise price comparison sites so that you can compare different offers. On a final note, determine whether specific companies are providing any package deals or rebates for making a reservation within a specific period of time. You will be surprised at just how much money you could potentially save!
The Type of Holidays to Book
Cottage/Villa holidays offer a superior level of privacy when compared to hotels; ideal for families, groups of friends or romantic getaways. Cottages tend to be found a bit off of the "beaten path", so they are great for those who desire a modicum of tranquillity as opposed to staying within the centre of a major city. Time frames are also flexible and if you book reservations early, significant discounts are often possible. Let us take a look at these options in a bit more detail as well as what you should consider in advance.
All-inclusive holidays tend to be the most popular, and for good reason. As their name suggests, you will not be forced to pay multiple different times for hotels, flights and similar services. One price covers all options. Not only is this very convenient, but the chances are high that the aggregate price will actually be lower when compared to purchasing each amenity separately (think of buying food in bulk as opposed to one item at a time).
Cruises are another excellent option. The main benefit here is that every need is literally address while you are on board the vessel. Food, drink, room service, entertainment and even exercise facilities are all at your immediate disposal. There are often day car centres for children in the event that you will be travelling with your little ones. Cruises will allow you to see virtually every corner of the globe and excursions generally leave quite frequently from major ports such as Liverpool.
Although an all-inclusive holiday is certainly a great option, you might instead simply be looking for a cheap round-trip flight. This will often occur if you decide to take a holiday on short notice. Or, you could already have a place to stay upon your arrival. The benefit with purchasing a flight alone is that you will not be paying for anything more than airfare. In fact, you might even find that some great last-minute deals. When choosing this type of travel package, it is a good idea to sign up for email notifications from major providers such as Travelocity and Expedia. Should a price suddenly appear that is in your range, you will be able to immediately purchase the ticket. There are also instances when a last-minute seat will open up; saving you even more money in the long run. The final option is to choose a flight/hotel combination. This option will take much of the guesswork out of the equation while still enabling you to enjoy the journey itself. The majority of these options will provide you with brand-name hotels such as Holiday Inn or Comfort Inn.
Other Expert Tips
So, what else should you know before your departure? Besides booking in advance, try to be flexible with your arrival and departure dates. This can help you to find a more agreeable price than would otherwise be possible. If money is still a concern, consider taking a holiday during off seasons such as between September and December or between February and May. There will also tend to be less tourists and this can have an impact upon the price of hotel accommodations. With a bit of forethought and by appreciating what factors need to be taken into account, you will be adequately prepared for a well-deserved break from daily life.
The Top Providers
As we could already imagine, it can be a bit complicated to book holidays and part of this will depend upon the providers that you choose. Every firm offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Unfortunately, you might not have the time or the ability to research these options yourself. This is the main reason why we have put together a top-ten list of those companies which are said to be the best in the business. Here are the top providers in no particular order.
- www.travelzoo.co.uk
- www.lastminute.com
- www.teletextholidays.co.uk
- www.groupon.co.uk
- www.secretescapes.com
- www.voyage-prive.co.uk
- www.bownty.com
- www.travelocity.co.uk
- www.expedia.co.uk
- www.tripadvisor.co.uk
Please take a further look at each so that you will be able to make the most informed choice when the time is right.
