How to book the best summer vacation package: effective tips from experts

As summer approaches, most travelers are on the hunt for great deals and interesting vacation offers.

Howden Insurance experts have compiled some of the best tips for travelers who want to book a summer vacation in 2024: from insurance tips to the best time to fly, Deeside.com writes.

Take out travel insurance right after booking for guaranteed protection

The best time to buy travel insurance is right after you book your vacation. Depending on whether you're looking for coverage for just one trip or planning multiple trips this year, the cancellation benefits of the policy you choose will kick in as soon as your insurance plan takes effect. Whether you've been injured before your vacation, you've been laid off and can no longer afford it, or your passport didn't arrive on time, you'll likely get more benefits and coverage than buying it closer to your vacation.

Fly in the middle of the week to save money

When it comes to catching a flight, keeping costs to a minimum is a must. Tuesday is the cheapest day to book flights, but for domestic flights, Monday through Wednesday is the best time to get a good deal. For international flights, Wednesday and Thursday are the cheapest days to book, with potential savings of up to 20%. Airfares may be subject to slight fluctuations depending on how close the flight is to the time of booking, so it's important to keep an eye out for any offers or deals that may arise. However, booking in advance is likely to be a money-saving guarantee.

It's also helpful to remember that even small adjustments can save you the most money. The prices of food and drinks at the airport or on the plane can be very high, so instead of spending a fortune on your way to your chosen destination, pack some snacks and spend the money you save on your vacation.

Book your vacation closer to the end of summer to get lower prices

Flights are available for purchase about a year in advance, and prices are guaranteed to change within 12 months; they tend to rise sharply closer to the time, so booking at least six months in advance of your vacation is recommended, especially if you're planning a long-haul flight. Summer prices are likely to reach an all-time high in June and become cheaper in August, so if you have the option to book later in the summer, late August is the best choice if you want to save money while getting a healthy dose of vitamin D and sunshine.

Check Tripadvisor before booking to compare hotel prices, ratings and reviews

It's easy to look for places to stay abroad and choose the cheapest one, but there are certain things you need to take into account. You don't have to spend all your money on a 5-star hotel to guarantee good quality and a great stay. Always research by comparing reviews with prices, as cheaper hotels can have just as good recommendations as much more expensive ones.

How to avoid getting scammed

Choosing the right travel insurance can be extremely difficult, especially if you are looking for coverage for your trip for the first time. Fraudulent travel insurance providers can easily take advantage of you if you are uneducated or unaware of the potential scams you may face. To avoid this, make sure that the agent or company you are buying from is licensed and legitimate.

A common insurance scam is the "ghost broker" scam, where people pose as licensed agents selling travel insurance on behalf of well-known insurance companies or companies they have fabricated. Customers who pay claims from such brokers may be left with invalid travel insurance. If you have friends and family who have traveled before, it may be worth getting references so that you can be sure that your purchase will be reliable.

Pay attention to "add-ons"

Don't be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about any part of your policy, as legitimate insurance companies will have no problem answering any questions you may have. Any suggested "riders" or additional benefits included in the main policy, such as "no-fault cancellation", are clear examples of suggested add-ons that should already be included in your policy. So, there is a high probability that the said "agent" is just trying to get more money from you, and the entire insurance plan may be illegitimate.

The danger of phishing

Phishing is a common scam that involves emails, text messages, and phone calls that purport to be from the insurance provider from whom you have inquired or purchased a policy. They can be very realistic and misleading, but any company that asks for personal information or bank details in this format is likely a scam. Always make sure that any contact with such companies comes from a trusted source to avoid stressful consequences.

Earlier, TravelWise told you where and how to book a bargain tour for your next vacation.