,
Where the deals are -- and where they aren't
There are a number of ways to save when you travel. Each has its downside (why else would it be a bargain?). Here are just a few tips with some personal comments.
1) Last minute. You can think of this as a fire sale. Things aren't selling, so let's get it moving. Travel is perishable. A day in a hotel or a seat in an airplane can't be sold after that day is history.
The down side? You can't count on it. For example, most people would not book their honeymoon as a last minute deal. All right, some would. Maybe I'll start a fad by suggesting it. Don't plan your honeymoon -- just see what comes up an approximately appropriate time and surprise yourselves! A last minute deal might be very good for a "second honeymoon."
There are discounted resorts already listed for most days in 2016. You need not wait until the ads come out!
2) Out of season. Many last minute deals are for out of season trips, but many out of season deals can be booked well ahead. What the season is depends entirely on the destination.
Out of season in Europe is winter. "Shoulder" season in Europe is spring and fall. Shoulder seasons are becoming quite popular with those wanting to save and avoid the crowds. The biggest savings component to European winter travel is the low winter airfare.
Warm weather destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean have several peak seasons with the highest prices, and several very low periods with the lowest prices. The highest prices are the winter holidays and the spring break period. If you want to save money and avoid the crowds, avoid those periods. Good deals can generally be found in early to mid December and in January.
If you don't want to join the college student spring breakers, there are certain locations you want to avoid during that period! Dare I suggest Negril or Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cancun, Mexico; Acapulco, Mexico, Nassau, Bahamas, and certain Florida beaches. If you are taking your family vacation during spring break, you may want to consider more family-friendly locations such as Riviera Maya, Mexico (you use the Cancun airport, so it's easy to reach).
3) Value of the pound. Right now the pound is weak, so don't look for an inexpensive trip to Europe this summer. Despite the weak pound, there are excellent deals to Europe this winter! There are places where the pound is strong, including South America.
If you are considering Europe in the summer, in order to save money you might consider Eastern Europe rather than Western Europe. The Czech Republic and Poland come to mind immediately as great European destinations.
4) Places people are avoiding. If other people are avoiding a destination, it's good news for you if you want to save money. It's as simple as supply and demand. Remember that if its a place people are avoiding, to check with the foreign office and your travel insurer to make sure its advisable to go and that you are still insured.
Where the deals are -- and where they aren't
There are a number of ways to save when you travel. Each has its downside (why else would it be a bargain?). Here are just a few tips with some personal comments.
1) Last minute. You can think of this as a fire sale. Things aren't selling, so let's get it moving. Travel is perishable. A day in a hotel or a seat in an airplane can't be sold after that day is history.
The down side? You can't count on it. For example, most people would not book their honeymoon as a last minute deal. All right, some would. Maybe I'll start a fad by suggesting it. Don't plan your honeymoon -- just see what comes up an approximately appropriate time and surprise yourselves! A last minute deal might be very good for a "second honeymoon."
There are discounted resorts already listed for most days in 2016. You need not wait until the ads come out!
2) Out of season. Many last minute deals are for out of season trips, but many out of season deals can be booked well ahead. What the season is depends entirely on the destination.
Out of season in Europe is winter. "Shoulder" season in Europe is spring and fall. Shoulder seasons are becoming quite popular with those wanting to save and avoid the crowds. The biggest savings component to European winter travel is the low winter airfare.
Warm weather destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean have several peak seasons with the highest prices, and several very low periods with the lowest prices. The highest prices are the winter holidays and the spring break period. If you want to save money and avoid the crowds, avoid those periods. Good deals can generally be found in early to mid December and in January.
If you don't want to join the college student spring breakers, there are certain locations you want to avoid during that period! Dare I suggest Negril or Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cancun, Mexico; Acapulco, Mexico, Nassau, Bahamas, and certain Florida beaches. If you are taking your family vacation during spring break, you may want to consider more family-friendly locations such as Riviera Maya, Mexico (you use the Cancun airport, so it's easy to reach).
3) Value of the pound. Right now the pound is weak, so don't look for an inexpensive trip to Europe this summer. Despite the weak pound, there are excellent deals to Europe this winter! There are places where the pound is strong, including South America.
If you are considering Europe in the summer, in order to save money you might consider Eastern Europe rather than Western Europe. The Czech Republic and Poland come to mind immediately as great European destinations.
4) Places people are avoiding. If other people are avoiding a destination, it's good news for you if you want to save money. It's as simple as supply and demand. Remember that if its a place people are avoiding, to check with the foreign office and your travel insurer to make sure its advisable to go and that you are still insured.