Save money on your next trip
BOOKING flights and hotels can add up quickly, but with a few simple tips you can save big when organising your next holiday.
Research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals Aussies are avid adventurers, making 11.2 million trips in the last year with an average stay of 15 days in countries such as New Zealand and Indonesia.
When it comes to finding the best airline prices, it’s cheaper when there’s less demand, and that’s typically during the week, says Flight Centre spokesman Haydn Long.
“Instead of flying with the masses on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, travel midweek and you’ll find that the prices are lower,” he said.
For the same reason, flights are usually cheaper on holidays, but significantly more expensive on the days before and after the holiday.
You can save some significant cash flying on Christmas Day, for example, instead of Boxing Day. The downside is that you will have to travel on a holiday, but the upside is beating the crowds.
Mr Long said it might also be cheaper to fly into or out of an alternative airport.
“If you’re flying into Victoria to take in the Great Ocean Road, you may choose to fly to Geelong Airport to get a better start to your holiday,” he said.
Stopovers will often make your flight cheaper, too. For example if you’re flying to London and flights with stopovers in Hong Kong are cheaper, search for the flights with the longest stopovers to see if the prices are similar.
Online apps such as Hopper and Skyscanner allow you to search for flights, then keep track of them via email alerts. If a flight drops or increases in price, you’ll get a notification.
“Make sure to subscribe to e-newsletters so you’re notified of any special deals,” Mr Long said.
Signing up for credit cards with big bonuses and cash back programs can help earn points redeemable for free travel.
“It’s a great way to save,” said Vogue Financial director Paul Giordano.
“But you need to be savvy to ensure the points aren’t costing you more than the actual savings you are making.”
When searching for accommodation, Mr Giordano recommended devoting plenty of time for research.
“If you find a good deal online, most travel agents will match the deal or better it,” he said.
Hotel prices will soar if there’s an event or festival in town, so check to see what’s happening in your destination city before you etch your plans in stone.
Sometimes shifting your travels by only a few days can make a world of difference.
Source: PATRICK TADROS – News Corp Australia Network – www.perthnow.com.au
