Six ways to save when booking your summer vacation
If you're planning to book a summer vacation this year, you should check out this list of tips to help you save money. It was compiled by Howden Insurance experts.
It includes tips on booking extras in advance and comparing hotel prices and online ratings before you click the button. There is also useful information on the best days to book airline tickets, says chroniclelive.co.
"Booking a summer vacation can be stressful because there are so many aspects to consider when it comes to being cost-effective. Simple travel tricks that can help you save on unnecessary expenses during the booking process mean you can spend more money on your vacation or even put it aside to prepare for your next trip," says a spokesperson for Howden Insurance.
Fly in the middle of the week to save money
When it comes to flying, you need to minimize costs. Tuesday is the cheapest day to book airline tickets, but for domestic flights, the best time to get a good deal is from Monday to Wednesday. For international flights, the cheapest days to book are Wednesday and Thursday, with potential savings of up to 20%. Airfares may fluctuate slightly depending on how close the flight is to the time of booking, so it's important to keep an eye out for any offers and discounts that may appear. However, booking in advance will most likely be a guarantee of saving money.
Book additional services in advance
Expenses that didn't seem like a priority when booking a summer vacation may turn out to be the most expensive. It is much cheaper to book airport parking in advance if you plan to leave your car than to pay for it on the day of arrival. Luggage will also cost more at the airport, and you can pay almost twice as much if you don't arrange for it to be transported before your departure date.
Book before the end of summer for lower prices
Airline tickets can be purchased about a year in advance and prices are guaranteed to change within 12 months - they tend to rise sharply closer to the date, so it's recommended to book at least six months in advance, especially if you're planning a long-haul flight. Summer prices are likely to reach an all-time high in June and drop in August, so if you have the option of booking later in the summer, late August is the best choice if you want to save money and still get a healthy dose of vitamin D and sunshine.
Before booking, visit Tripadvisor to compare hotel prices, ratings, and included services
It's wise to compare prices for different hotel deals - all-inclusive may seem more appealing when it comes to savings, but some hotels can be misleading about what it means. If you want unlimited alcohol or drinks during your vacation, it can be a common misconception that all hotels include this in their packages. A hotel may advertise ten on-site restaurants, but in some cases, not all of them will be included in the room rate, so check the fine print to avoid disappointment upon arrival.
Take food with you to the airport
It's helpful to remember that even small adjustments can save you the most money. Prices for food and drinks at the airport or on the plane can be very high, so instead of spending a fortune on the way to your destination, bring a snack with you and put the money you save towards your vacation.
Take out travel insurance right after booking to get the best price
It's best to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your vacation - while the price of insurance doesn't change much over time, the costs do. Buying as soon as you book means you'll have more options to choose from, including "Cancel for Any Reason", which is a great benefit if your vacation doesn't go ahead. Depending on whether you're looking for coverage for just one trip or if you're planning multiple trips this year, the cancellation benefits of the policy you choose kick in as soon as your insurance plan takes effect, meaning you can enjoy the benefits before and during your vacation.
Previously, TravelWise wrote about cheaper alternatives to popular tourist destinations.