Bargain Package Holidays
Package holidays are simply holidays where the travel
operator offers the whole trip, including the flights, hotels and in some cases
the transport when you arrive at your destination. Here are some specific ways
of bagging a package holiday bargain.
Last minute package holidays are readily
available if you are not fussy about destination and can wait until the very
last minute. If you simply want somewhere hot, tomorrow, you will almost
certainly bag a bargain; if you want a specific type of destination or resort
then you may find that you are not able to get that last minute
deal.
The reason many tour operators offer such cheap deals for packages
is because they buy a certain number of flights and hotel rooms which they then
try and sell throughout the year. By definition, they will have more possible
holidays during peak season, but then there will also be greater demand meaning
that the bargains may not be what you would hope.
Optional extras are
big business for package tour operators and they will often make most of their
profit from these extras such as insurance, excursions and transport at your
destination. Whilst these will often be available elsewhere cheaper, you may
find that purchasing these from your package holiday operator will allow you to
negotiate a discount on your holiday. You may even be able to get a 'free'
extra if you agree to book on the spot.
Another thing to bear in mind
is that accommodation is not the expensive part of the package and you will
sometimes find that a package holiday to a particular destination will end up
as a cheaper alternative to trying to book flights on their own. Last minute
package deals are often so cheap that you can take the point of view that even
if you hate the accommodation you can always phone around for your chosen
hotel.
All Inclusives
You won't want to overlook
this HUGE money saver - especially if you're taking along children. Almost all
resorts will offer you an all-inclusive package which can mean big bucks in the
saving department!
These packages may just be while you're at their
hotel, or they could include airfare and transfers as well. You'll have to do
your research and find out what is best for you.
An all-inclusive
package at a resort will mean that all your meals, drinks, and gratuities are
included in the price of your room. So you'll have a place to stay, a place to
eat, and a place to party if you so choose - all for one price! No need to
worry about budgeting for dinner or a night out! It's all included!
There are even some all-inclusive plans that include airfare,
transportation to and from the airport to the hotel, and then they throw in the
meals, drinks, etc. with the price as well. This, we think, would be the best
type of all-inclusive to book because then you don't have to worry about
budgeting for anything except for excursions, admission fees, and
souvenirs.
All-inclusives are a great way to save money on vacation.
With an all-inclusive, you know up front what you're paying for and there are
no surprises. When you go someplace else, everything adds up.
Vacation Auctions
Another idea for finding a
bargain package holiday is to use an auction site. This option is a relatively
new concept and one that has still not reached its full potential. Many people
are still wary about the concept of bidding for a holiday.
One of the
most popular auction sites that is used at the moment is eBay. However, bidders
should be aware that they are often buying from an individual and the motto
'buyer beware' could not be any more appropriate. However, if you browse
through eBay you may find that a lot of the tour operators also advertise their
deals on eBay in a clearance type of fashion. If you do not wish to purchase
through eBay, this still gives you a good idea of the types of prices that
agents are prepared to let the holidays go for.
Similarly, hotels often
advertise any spare capacity that they have on sites such as eBay and this can
be a great way to pick up a bargain. There are also sites that are dedicated to
auctioning holidays such as
biddingfortravel.com, where companies offer their
availability and the hotel, flight, or holiday is simply sold to the highest
bidder. The real danger with this type of purchase is that it is normally
allocation on arrival or limited in terms of options.
Auction sites are
a great place to look if you are very flexible, however, if you want a specific
destination, date or other parameter, think twice! Another thing to bear in
mind is that many of the auction sites will add an extra fee on to your winning
price, so check out any extras that you will be expected to pay so that you do
not get any nasty shocks. Also if you are traveling in a family group, bear in
mind that prices normally reflect double occupancy only and the hotel in
question may not be able to accommodate children in the same room. Check these
details out BEFORE you bid, as any bid you make is binding.
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