When you're planning a vacation and it's cheap travel you're after, the fun begins with figuring out when to book, for which season, for what destination, whether to buy or build your own vacation package, where to look for discount shopping, and then how to save money once you get to where you're going.
As you know, plotting to save money on anything always takes more time and effort than needed when money is no object. So when it comes to creating a discount vacation, it's pretty obvious that you'll need to be patient, flexible, somewhat adventurous and armed with as much relevant information as you can get.
Oh, you could always change from "somewhat" to "highly" adventurous, and downgrade from cheap travel to dirt cheap travel. You know, like sleeping in airports, for example. Which involves picking the best spots where the chairs are softest and where you're least likely to be kicked out by Security.
But we'll assume that you want just a little more comfort and class with your cheap vacation vacations, and that you want to live to brag about it.
TIPS FOR WHEN TO BOOK
If you're traveling by air, the two most extreme ways of getting cheap airfare are to book way in advance or try for an absolute last minute deal. Both are gambles because obviously, your unique circumstances may change after you've booked a distant date, and you may not be flexible enough for whatever arrangements come with last minute travel.
The next best booking strategy is to avoid Friday and Sunday departures. Not only that. You can also be an accomplished saver by choosing undesirable departure times like those that make you get up at 2:00 a.m. to catch your flight or that make you travel all night. Oh, and while you're at it, you can save even more by booking flights requiring multiple stops and plane changes. (See, what did we tell you, discount vacation travel can build strength of character.)
Now what about hotel savings to go with your cheap airline ticket. Maybe you get a great last minute flight but the hotel rate is so high that it would have cost you less to just relax and steer clear of those last minute adventures altogether. Unless...
Unless... yes that's it! Be brave and don't even book a hotel until you've hit the ground. You'll probably find more than one hotel that'll give you a discount because they have empty rooms that were just canceled. Heck, if you're feeling extra bold you can start by brazenly naming your own hotel discount before even asking what's available.
One way or the other, finding a discount hotel is usually easier than finding a cheap flight. And of course, bed and breakfast is also a money-saving option. TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR SEASON AND DESTINATION
Best that you consider these two factors together, because prices seesaw up and down with the seasons for many vacation destinations, making this the most money-saving consideration of them all. Some hints:
-
"The Shoulder Season." This could save you hundreds of dollars. While researching your destinations, find out when the peak and low seasons are. The time in between is the shoulder season. For example, Europe in the fall and the Caribbean during late spring.
-
Europe in the Fall. Here's one of the best times for cheap travel to Europe. You'll find more discount airfares and bargain package discounts for most major European destinations starting in October.
-
Asia in the Winter. Asian weather is so variable during winter that you're likely to find lots of discount travel offers. Asian winters can find you basking in sunshine today and snowed in tomorrow. So if you don't mind carrying the wardrobe to match, this can be a good money-saving choice.
-
Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe in the Spring. In Europe, the temperatures are still relatively low so you should find more springtime discount travel deals. In Mexico and the Caribbean, prices start coming down in mid April as temperatures begin to rise, but the water and air are still pleasant and the resorts are less crowded. For a Mexico vacation, especially look for Cancun discount vacation resorts.
-
And the Summer? This is when finding a good vacation deal gets tricky. But if you can handle the heat and beat the competition you might still secure a cheap Southeast Asian or Caribbean vacation in June or July.
TIPS ON CHEAP DISCOUNT VACATION PACKAGES
Some of the above tips also apply here, and you can sometimes save even more than when building the package on your own. Last minute discount vacation packages are easiest to find if you don't care where you're going. Perhaps the cheapest form of bargain holiday cheap travel is the vacation package that's classified as "allocation on arrival." This means you'll be allocated accommodation when you arrive. Some deals give you a halfway option where you'll be told the resort, the type of hotel or the grade, but the final selection will be done when you arrive. This can really be fun if you love surprises!
TIPS ABOUT DISCOUNT VACATION CRUISES AND SPECIALS
Few people ever pay the full advertised price for a cruise, so getting a discount vacation cruise is fairly easy. Just be aware that unlike a landlubber's package, if you discover you don't like the accommodations, you can't change your mind and go somewhere else after the ship has left the dock.
Also be aware that if a child takes a full adult berth, you'll probably pay the full adult price, so watch for child-specific deals when you're shopping.
One of the biggest money savers is when you book another cruise for next year while you're still on board. Most cruise lines will offer you various money-saving incentives during the cruise, such as early booking discounts and loyalty programs.
TIPS ON WHERE TO SHOP
Now you have an "embarrassment of riches:" local travel agents, and an abundance of websites to visit.
-
Local Travel Agents. Of course, nothing beats a face-to-face relationship with an experienced agent near you. It just may cost you a little more. If you prefer a local travel agent to the web, you should still START with the web. There's no better way than visiting websites to fully inform yourself before engaging any agent.
-
Websites. You're likely to save the most by booking your vacation online. As of 2007, the latest statistics from the Travel Industry Association of America show that 79 million people in the United States made their travel plans online in 2005.
CONCLUSIONS
We just want to acknowledge that there are more detailed ways to save money that are beyond the scope of this article. They include clubs and award programs, frequent flyer points, hotel award programs and more.
The most important tip of all is simply, do your homework. Finding the best in discount travel is all about being aware of the market and what's available. Awareness puts you at a huge advantage for bargaining. Remember, you're the customer, so don't be afraid to ask for what you want.