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