The summer holidays are almost upon us, which is why we have listed a number of easy ways to save on plane tickets, accommodation, activities and food.
First of all, it is important not to book airline tickets too late or too early. The cheapest time to buy a ticket is about 40 days before the trip. When you compare the airlines, you should look at the costs that are not included, such as food, suitcases or choice of seats. Because these differ with the different airlines.
To improve the comparison process, it is wise to delete the cookies on your internet browser. If you go from one website to another, the price for the same ticket is often much higher, and an added label also shows that there are only a few spots left. After deleting the cookies, the label will disappear and the price will drop to the original cost.
When traveling internationally or with connecting flights, it is wise to book tickets with travel companies, because they often offer discounts for booking multiple flights at the same time. Nor should you assume that landing at the main airport at the destination is the best option. Landing at a smaller airport can be smarter, because then traffic is avoided and airline tickets are often lower in price.
When looking for an accommodation, it is best to use hotel booking sites, sorting by lowest to highest price and then book through the hotel, which usually offers the same rate. Booking directly with the hotel is better because hotel managers then see you as more loyal customers, giving them better rooms.
Another lodging option that can save money is renting a house or room directly from the owner – an option that can open the door to negotiation. Booking a house instead of a hotel can be beneficial for families or groups. But if the group prefers a hotel, ask the hotel for a deal. Most hotels will offer discounts to those who call and say they are taking multiple rooms.
It is also wise to book activities in advance where possible because some attractions often charge higher rates to last-minute travelers. Also, package deals are not always cheaper than buying separate activities, so it pays to do your research. If you are going with children, it is advisable to call in advance or search online for days with special rates for children in museums, amusement parks, zoos and other places.
Pay with cash for activities — from indoor shopping to recreation — as many small businesses offer discounts to customers who do so. Credit card companies charge for each use, so companies can cut costs by accepting cash.
To save on food, a supermarket at the destination is recommended to make one or two meals a day. You can also save by bringing your own snacks. Some coupon sites offer restaurant coupons in different cities and countries.
How a holiday is paid should also be considered. Open a special account where money is deposited. It is also not wise to finance the trip with a credit card. This creates more costs.
