So, you’ve decided to book your next trip away and you’re excited about starting the planning, but it sometimes can all seem a bit overwhelming. Where should you go? How much do you want to spend? How can you find a bit of lux for an affordable price? Here are some top tips to help you out and to make every trip more enjoyable when you actually get there.
1. Start with the Right Criteria
Firstly decide on your key criteria for your accommodation, as the wrong place can make or break a holiday. Do you want a pool, air conditioning or a washing machine? Or is it important to be walking distance to shops or restaurants? Maybe you’re happy to be further out but need good transport. Whatever is important to you be sure to select all options on the search filters, do a location check on Google and always check the reviews (Google, Tripadvisor and on the bookings sites themselves should all have these included)
2. Make Sure you Get the Best Price:
Start with price comparison sites. Maybe you’re looking for the best deal by location or you might have your hotel or villa selected but you want to find the best offer around. Either way never book the first price you find, always do a double check on price comparison sites. My favourite one is Kayak, but Skycanner and Webjet are also useful and even Google’s own search now includes the hotels or accommodation prices, including for direct booking options. Sometimes these are the best deals around and include extra inclusions e.g. breakfast, free cancellation or special offers not on the price comparison sites, so always worth checking on their own website too.
3. Become a Member
If there is an option to become a member of any travel clubs and they’re free then join up. You can save so much money and have access to exclusive offers. My favourite rewards programme is booking.com Genius. Once you get to Level 3, you can get up to 20% discount, cash back voucher rewards, free cancellation, upgrades etc I have saved $100’s by using this on our travels and once you hit level 3 you get to keep it. Many other travel sites offer the same – Agoda, Expedia etc. Still do a price comparison as memebership doesn’t always guarantee the best price. It can really pay to be loyal though.
4. Holiday Homes Searches
Often people go straight to Air BnB and they do have some really great offers but the same properties can be available sometimes cheaper on alternatives like Booking.com or Stayz (VRBO in the UK) or through local holiday rental companies. Many places offer a bigger discount if you book direct next time or if you decide to extend a stay. We booked our Cyprus accommodation through a local holiday operator and our Valencia accommodation through a longer term rental company so worth doing some extra Google searches (Check if rental companies are featured on the website to do a direct search) just double check reviews as you can have less security through these options.
5. Mobile Offers
Always check for a mobile offer. If you’re doing a desktop search, always double check the price on your mobile too as some companies will offer an extra 5% discount for booking on your mobile or in an app.
