In this three-part blog, we have been looking at ways to get the best value from your holiday. With the increasing cost of living more of us are looking at ways we can get the best value on our holidays without having to compromise on enjoyment. Here are some of our top tips for helping you find the perfect holiday for your budget.
When and Where?
In part one of this blog, we talked about when to go on holiday and in part two we explored destinations which could give you better value. Essentially the more flexible you are the more you are likely to save on your holiday. Talk to your travel agent who can give you plenty of advice about this.
Book early!
As a general rule the earlier you book the more options you will get for your budget. This is especially important if you have specific requirements such as airports, travel dates, large groups, specific resorts or room types. For example, if you are planning your family’s summer holiday in August and need a 2 or 3 bedroomed apartment in a nice resort you will get far much more choice if you book early. If you leave it late you are likely to pay more or have to compromise on the type or quality of resort you want to go to. Remember the cost of flights generally goes up the closer to departure so booking early is also best.
Food and Drinks
Firstly it’s important to choose a meal plan which is right for you, your holiday plans and the destination you are going to.
- Room only– this is normally in a standard hotel room and no meals are included in the rate you pay. The room will probably not have any cooking facilities.
- Self-Catering – this is normally in an apartment or villa with cooking facilities. No meals are included in the rate you have paid.
- Bed & Breakfast – This rate will include breakfast each morning. Other meals if available will need to be purchased during your stay.
- Half Board – Breakfast each morning and an evening meal is included for each night you are staying. If the hotel serves lunch they may permit you to swap your evening meal for a lunch instead, if you are looking to go out on an evening (subject to hotel policy). You will normally have to pay for any drinks with your meal.
- Full-Board – Three meals are included with full-board. Breakfast, lunch and dinner You will normally have to pay for any drinks with your meal. Some enhanced full-board such as Full Board Plus may include some drinks (house wines, beer, soft drinks etc), but check the hotel details.
- All-inclusive – All-inclusive will include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. Premium, branded and speciality drinks may not be included. There may also be limitations on visiting a-la-cart restaurants so check hotel details.
If you are planning to be out exploring for most of the day there is little point splashing out on all-inclusive. If you are going self-catering can you get to a supermarket? Room only or B&B ask, what’s the cost of eating out where you are going? Again your travel agent can advise you what options are available and help you choose the best one for your holiday.
Activities & Entertainment
What you plan to do on your holiday is just as important as the hotel and flights. Remember to look at the cost of the activities you want to do. You can prebook a lot of activities and tours with your holiday. This means you guarantee availability, fix the price and can spread the cost by paying with your holiday package. Also, consider what’s included in the resort you are staying at. For example, if you want to do watersports it might be worth upgrading to a hotel which has these included rather than a cheaper resort where you have to pay individually.
Extras
It’s also worth thinking about the extra costs of going the holiday. Things like Car Parking, Transfers and Visas. You may have found an amazing deal for a holiday departing from Gatwick but once have factored in travel to Gatwick, car parking and/or an airport hotel any savings could be wiped out.
As an independent travel agent, we are always happy to discuss the best options for you. Get in touch with us today and find out how we can help you book the perfect holiday for your budget.
