Written by our friends at Luxury Escapes
Already budgeting for your next holiday? Read on for some tried-and-true tips on how to spend less on flights and accommodation, so you can plan for more memorable dinners and immersive local experiences.
1. Opt for a package with complimentary inclusions
Why just book a room when you could opt for a holiday package offering oodles of inclusions at no additional cost? Shop around and you can score exceptional value, with perks like meals at onsite restaurants, spa treatments and complimentary cocktail hours. Some even include airport transfers, which eliminates having to put the planning work in yourself – priceless.
2. Sign up to a travel rewards program
The savviest of travellers know to sign up for airline rewards programs which allow you to earn points on purchases to spend on flights, hotels or even gifts. Also worth looking into are travel clubs like Luxury Escapes’ LuxPlus+, which have the potential to save you hundreds on your bookings every year, with bonuses like extra package inclusions and early or exclusive access to members-only offers. Plus, you can earn airline points with every flight booking.
3. Travel outside high season
It may seem obvious but organising your Euro trip for the height of summer, or a holiday to Japan during cherry blossom season, will always be more expensive than in off-peak periods. Why not learn to appreciate them in different seasons? Avoid school holidays or save your escape for the quieter months of autumn and discover how top-tier stays in top-choice locations reward shoulder-season travellers. Rather than scrambling to book the last room in Rome in July, opt for a wider availability of dates and discounted pricing in October – never fear, the Colosseum will still be standing.
4. Find savings on flights
Just as hotels must fill their rooms, airlines must fill their cabins, and most carriers sweeten the savings on seats during key times and days of the year. To score the best pricing, look for flights at least nine months in advance for international flights, and at least six months in advance for domestic. Avoid travelling on the first or last days of school holidays or long weekends. Similarly, schedule an early morning or late evening flight if you can – midday departures tend to be the most popular, so you’ll likely find better pricing outside these hours.
5. Consider a cruise or tour for multiple destinations
One of the best ways to see the most in a large region while expending the least time and effort is to join a tour or cruise. Take the hassle out of planning a multi-stop itinerary and let local experts do it for you. You’ll save money on transport, thanks to pre-organised group touring or passage aboard a hotel-at-sea that takes you where you want to go, with accommodation and meals as part of the package.
This article was written by our friends at Luxury Escapes. This advice is general in nature and is not intended as financial or professional advice. You should consider your own circumstances before making any decisions.
