Tips For Great Deals

I’m sure I’m not the most travelled person in the world, probably not even in the top million, but I do get away at least 4-5 times a year, whether it be on a holiday to the sun or for a work conference. Invariably it’s overseas (that means outside the UK!) although I’m a regular visitor to London, not that it matters in the context of this article.

So in my what-seems-like-a-lifetime of searches for flights, package holidays, hotels and the like, I’ve been around teh block on web-based travels sites as, like most of us, I do like a good bargain! Below, I have listed my “top tips” for finding good, cheap holidays, or budget flights, whatever it happens to be. I admit, I like my luxusry and while I might fly economy, I tend to go 4* or 5* on the hotels or resorts. Irrelevant. But there you go.

1) Flights. Use the daily email alert service at Sidestep. Invaluable for getting the best deal.

2) Hotels. It’s obvious to say compare prices, but recently I booked a hotel in two chunks…the first 3 days via Lastminute.com and the last 4 days via Expedia, basically because the weekend was cheaper at Expedia! Saved about £300.

3) Package Holidays. Don’t forget to go to the tour operators themselves. Thomas Cook, Kuoni, whoever it may be, they all have unique special offers that sometimes are better than the affilate sites like Lastminute etc.

4) Tabbed browsing. When searching open up everything in a new tab (right click any web link and open in a new tab). It makes comparisons quicker and easier. And don’t forget to bookmark the best deals for later!

5) Hotels (again). Never, ever book via the hotel website. You’ll get the “rack rate” and pay more. Virtually every time.

6) Hotels and Locations. Trip Advisor. You really, really have to use Trip Advisor to read customer reviews before you book.

7) Accomodation. Note that Expedia allows you to book a package of flight and hotel and optionally specify whether you only need the hotel for part of your stay. Useful for multi-centre holidays.