The first thing to remember is if you know where you want to go and when - book early! Leaving it until the last minute could mean that your preferred accommodation has gone, or your chosen flight is full, you may also benefit from tour operators early booking discounts.
However, if flexibility is your middle name, then you are most definitely in the best position to bag yourself a bargain.
I knew I wanted all inclusive when I was looking for cheap holidays in Spain as the exchange rate was quite poor meaning it would be expensive to live whilst I was there.
I was however totally flexible with when I went and where I stayed.
If the exchange rate is good it is quite often cheaper to go self catering.
The next thing to think about is whether you want a package deal or DIY holiday, a package deal is where the tour operator provides the flights, transfers and accommodation otherwise you would do all this yourself.
A huge bonus with package holidays is they are usually ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) protected which means you should get your money back if the holiday company go bust.
Tour operators are less likely to discount during peak periods and school holidays so its good advice to avoid these times.
Don't stick to your local airports, shop around, it can often work out cheaper to travel a little further and even include an overnight stay to fly from say Gatwick or Manchester.
It is always cheaper to book your car parking in advance, this can save you a considerable amount, book it as soon as you've booked your holidays.
When you have found a holiday - check out the other travel agents in your area or look on the internet.
Tour operators that have not filled flights or their quota of accommodation still have them to pay for so you might just be able to persuade them to discount their prices.
Tell them what you have already been quoted but break it down to a per person price, if your cheapest quote is £300 per person, tell them its £290, they will probably drop to £280.
You will need to make a note of exactly what you have priced in order to compare the holidays properly, for instance luggage allowance, board basis, flight meals included etc.
You may get quoted a much lower price only to discover the room type or board basis is different, or it doesn't include flight meals.
This helped me greatly when I was booking my cheap holidays in Spain.
The travel agent may try to persuade you that you need extra luggage allowance or flight meals but you can save around £25 per passenger by refusing these.
Excursions are usually cheaper if booked in resort, check with other holidaymakers for recommendations of reliable companies to use.
Never loose your cool when asking for discount, this will most certainly get you nowhere.
Always remain cheerful, friendly and above all polite; after all, you want them to do you a favour.
However, if flexibility is your middle name, then you are most definitely in the best position to bag yourself a bargain.
I knew I wanted all inclusive when I was looking for cheap holidays in Spain as the exchange rate was quite poor meaning it would be expensive to live whilst I was there.
I was however totally flexible with when I went and where I stayed.
If the exchange rate is good it is quite often cheaper to go self catering.
The next thing to think about is whether you want a package deal or DIY holiday, a package deal is where the tour operator provides the flights, transfers and accommodation otherwise you would do all this yourself.
A huge bonus with package holidays is they are usually ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) protected which means you should get your money back if the holiday company go bust.
Tour operators are less likely to discount during peak periods and school holidays so its good advice to avoid these times.
Don't stick to your local airports, shop around, it can often work out cheaper to travel a little further and even include an overnight stay to fly from say Gatwick or Manchester.
It is always cheaper to book your car parking in advance, this can save you a considerable amount, book it as soon as you've booked your holidays.
When you have found a holiday - check out the other travel agents in your area or look on the internet.
Tour operators that have not filled flights or their quota of accommodation still have them to pay for so you might just be able to persuade them to discount their prices.
Tell them what you have already been quoted but break it down to a per person price, if your cheapest quote is £300 per person, tell them its £290, they will probably drop to £280.
You will need to make a note of exactly what you have priced in order to compare the holidays properly, for instance luggage allowance, board basis, flight meals included etc.
You may get quoted a much lower price only to discover the room type or board basis is different, or it doesn't include flight meals.
This helped me greatly when I was booking my cheap holidays in Spain.
The travel agent may try to persuade you that you need extra luggage allowance or flight meals but you can save around £25 per passenger by refusing these.
Excursions are usually cheaper if booked in resort, check with other holidaymakers for recommendations of reliable companies to use.
Never loose your cool when asking for discount, this will most certainly get you nowhere.
Always remain cheerful, friendly and above all polite; after all, you want them to do you a favour.
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