Wirral Life Issue 76 | Page 54

TOP TIPS FOR GETTING A HOLIDAY DEAL – FROM A TRAVEL AGENT
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TOP TIPS FOR GETTING A HOLIDAY DEAL – FROM A TRAVEL AGENT
By Sorrel Ashton of Travel Counsellors
This is one of the most popular times of year to book a holiday . And it is no wonder , with gloomy weather and dark evenings keeping us indoors and budgets clearer after the Christmas and New year frivolities . It is also one of the best times to grab a dealwith lots of travel companies offering discounts , free child places and upgrades . Here are my top tips for navigating the sales and getting the most out your next holiday !
No . 1 Avoid booking engines . These impersonal machines are great for sorting out the food shop or a cinema ticket , but can easily lead you down the wrong path when finding that perfect getaway . What may start as a great deal can easily snowball into a mountain of hidden fees once baggage and taxes etc start being added .
No . 2 If it looks too good to be true , it probably is . If a resort is offering an amazing package that seems way lower than similar sites , there ’ s likely a reason which may come at your cost . Take time to research reviews ( not just the ones on their website ), and do some digging , as you may find that ’ s exactly what ’ s going on . Often hotels will throw out ridiculous offers , only for travellers to find that behind those picturesque views on the website , is a building site .
No . 3 Cheaper may not be better . You may find that booking elements separately such as flights and accommodation can cut costs , but this can leave you with little to no protection . A missed or delayed fight with one airline won ’ t matter to another if booked separately , leaving you to pick up the pieces .
No . 4 Look after the details . It can be the small elements of trip that can add up to make a huge difference . Do I need airport parking ? How long do I have between connections and are they in different terminals ? How easy is it to get to my hotel ? Thoroughly planning a trip beforehand can really enhance the experience .
No . 5 Act fast . Take the time to really figure out where you want to go and what you want out of a holiday , but once you commit to the booking process , decisiveness is key . Prices you see one day won ’ t necessarily be the same price you see the next . If you see something you like - book it !
No . 6 Keep flexible . Giving yourself flexibility in a holiday may be key to getting a great deal . Switching to an alternative airport may provide more options on flights that can save time and money down the line . Also being able to move dates or duration of your holiday can nab you extra savings .
No . 7 Be more local . All-inclusive resorts can be so convenient but can often leave you short on getting that authentic experience . Switching to a well located B & B option can save you money and encourages more exploration of local restaurants and bars , along with helping the local economy . Another tip is to split your holiday over two locations- such as an island-hopping break in Greece . You get a better all round experience and there are deals to be had with shorter duration stays in hotels in peak periods .
No . 8 Talk to me ! By planning your trip with a real person / travel expert , I can provide you with genuinely useful advice and give more options than you thought were available . I take on all the hard work to give you peace of mind and the best experience possible . You can contact me anytime and I will always have you best interests in mind all without costing you a penny .
Do any of these take your fancy ? Follow me on instagram @ sorrel _ travel for more inspiration or get in touch any time to talk about your next adventure .
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