| Planning is the key to success when it comes to | | | | Firstly, if you are flexible in terms of location and dates |
| getting a budget holiday. There are many things that | | | | then you will almost certainly benefit from waiting until |
| you can influence such as when you book, how you | | | | the last minute to book your holiday. Last minute deals |
| travel, whether you go package or build your own | | | | are, of course, something that you cannot rely upon |
| agenda. All of these things can have a significant | | | | and if you are set on going to a certain destination at a |
| impact on the price you pay. Above all, each of these | | | | certain date then last minute is far too risky. |
| things are within your control! | | | | If you are planning on creating your own package then |
| Most people know exactly when they are intending to | | | | you need to be aware that you are taking multiple |
| take a vacation. This can be used to your advantage | | | | gambles. For example, you need to consider your |
| when it comes to planning. | | | | airfare, hotels and transport. Whilst you may get an |
| Deciding on when to book is a bit of a gamble. Whilst | | | | excellent last minute flight, you may not be so lucky |
| many tour operators will offer cheaper prices and | | | | when it comes to the hotel or car hire. In fact, you may |
| early booking discounts, you may find that last minute | | | | find that paying a premium for other parts of your |
| deals are also available which will prove better | | | | holiday will end up out-weighing any last minute savings |
| financially. | | | | you have made. |
| There are many factors that you should take into | | | | As a general rule, if you are looking to go on a specific |
| account when deciding on when to book for maximum | | | | holiday, a cruise, for example, with a specific company |
| financial gain: | | | | or a destination that is only offered by a few |
| • Are you flexible in terms of dates that you | | | | operators, you may find that last minute bargains are |
| are prepared to travel? | | | | simply not available. Cruising is a classic example of |
| • Are you flexible in terms of destinations that | | | | this. A cruise line will offer holidays for a certain price, |
| you are prepared to travel to? | | | | whilst they may offer their holidays through different |
| • Will you be buying a package deal or will | | | | agents who may individually offer discounts, the actual |
| you be building your own package? | | | | price of the cruise is likely to remain very similar no |
| • Are you considering a popular destination | | | | matter who you go to for your price. |
| where many tour operators or flight companies travel? | | | | |