The holiday season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in the gift of travel. Whether you’re planning a festive family getaway or a solo adventure to escape the winter blues, getting the best travel deals can make your holiday dreams a reality. Getting the best travel deals this holiday season requires a combination of strategy, flexibility, and resourcefulness. So, how to get the best out of it?
Guide To Travelling This Holiday Season
While travelling during the holiday season seems appealing, it requires a significant amount of planning. As you are preparing your bucket list and planning your route, airfares and hotel prices will continue to rise. Smart planning is the key to finding the best discounts. Although everyone around you would certainly tell you to plan ahead, thorough planning will allow you to beat the travel jitters and make the most of your vacation. The greatest answer is to keep a flexible schedule when it comes to travel dates. For example, leaving a bit earlier and returning a day or two later will save you money and time, explains Bernard Corraya, General Manager, Wego India, a travel metasearch engine.
Here’s how to score unbeatable travel deals and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank:
1. Choose Travel Dates Wisely
Consider flying on off-peak days and be open to travelling during non-traditional holiday periods to capitalise on lower prices. “A majority of individuals might be considering departing a day earlier. Given the increased demand, airfares and accommodation prices will inevitably rise. Thus, to cut through the crowd, the ideal solution is to be flexible with your travel dates. It is no hidden secret that the cheapest days to travel are usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Furthermore, airfares on the actual holiday may be far less expensive than in the days preceding it,” notes Corraya. Whether it is Christmas or New Year’s Eve, the majority of people like to arrive a day ahead of time. As a result, demand on the actual day is lower, resulting in reduced airfares.
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2. The Early Bird Catches The Savings
One of the golden rules of snagging the best travel deals is to start planning early. Early bird gets the worm and this is especially true in terms of travel planning. “Making advanced reservations will provide you with an upper hand in terms of better deals and prices. Last-minute arrangements, on the other hand, might wind up limiting your options for vacation locations, accommodation, and activities. And the only thing you would get is soaring prices. To do away with these last-minute hassles and disappointments, the best thing to do is prioritise advance bookings and keep an for the right deals,” he shares. Airlines and hotels often release their holiday promotions well in advance. By booking your flights and accommodations early, you increase your chances of securing lower prices and gaining access to exclusive deals.
3. Hunt For Last-Minute Deals
While planning ahead is ideal, sometimes last-minute deals can be a treasure trove of savings. Keep an eye on last-minute flight and hotel deals, especially if your schedule allows for spontaneous travel. “Make sure to keep an eye out for last-minute deals and promos. As part of their last-minute offers, several hotels and airlines release their discounted rates and deals. Although last-minute planning is often jinxed, you may never know what you might end up finding. Take the time to compare and contrast to ensure you are getting the most value for your money,” agrees Corraya.
4. Bundle And Save With Packages, Loyalty Programs
Many travel agencies and websites offer package deals that can provide significant savings compared to booking each component separately. Explore different options to find the package that best suits your preferences and budget. If you have a favourite airline, hotel chain, or rental car company, enrol in their loyalty programs. Loyalty programs often come with perks such as discounted rates, complimentary upgrades, and exclusive access to promotions. Accumulating points can also lead to free or discounted travel in the future. Moreover, investing in a travel rewards credit card can be a smart strategy for earning points and miles that can be redeemed for future travel expenses. Many credit cards also come with perks such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and waived foreign transaction fees.
Choosing travel dates strategically, planning ahead of time if possible, and hunting for last-minute offers can all contribute to a good holiday. As a result, if you have not yet booked your tickets, hotels, or other travel, now is a fantastic time to do so. Happy travels!
Cover image credits: Canva
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