With 88 percent of the nation taking a holiday in 2019, it seems travel is a big investment for Britons. As more people begin to travel, there are more ways to bag a discounted deal. Airline seat sales and flight comparison sites are both popular methods of cutting costs, however, travel experts are discovering there are certain times of the year when demand decreases and thus, so do prices.
“However, we have good confidence that now is the best time to book for most destinations.”
Analysing data from 2017 and 2018, the consumer body found that the best time to book holidays for Easter, Christmas and bank holidays was roughly the same each year.
Using this knowledge they determined that the seven days following February 24 2020 will be the best time to secure low-cost travel for May.
“While the best prices for the late spring should be in the next day or two, fares are likely to remain below average for a week or so after 24 February,” they said.
From days of the week to payment methods, Pav Klair, Spa Relations Expert at SpaSeekers explains that there are some handy tricks holidaymakers often miss when planning their stay.
These include being flexible about your dates of travel and avoiding certain days of the week.
“It goes without saying that Friday and Saturday nights are usually our most expensive, so wherever you can try and stay mid-week,” advised Pav.
“The prices will be better, the facilities will be less busy and your stay will be overall more relaxing.”
Additionally, opting to pay in advance rather than on arrival can slice the overall cost of the experience.
Pav explains: “Package rates are designed to appeal to a larger audience especially the pay in advance rates, as hotels are under more pressure on the day to fill, it helps them if they have a better indication of numbers for planning room allocations, housekeeping and numbers to cater for in restaurants.
“So, the biggest discount available on a room usually comes with a ‘pay in advance’ method.
“The next option is a ‘reserve now pay later’ rates which cost slightly more.”
He adds: “Room only options will always seem the cheapest but in terms of value for money the most expensive especially if you later choose to bolt on a breakfast and dinner.”
