If you want to get the most from your holiday time, then a variety of high-end destinations might appeal. But what if you only have a limited budget to play with? You might assume that a lack of financial firepower might put expensive locations out of reach – but with the right combination of tactics, and by making you can get the holiday you want without sacrificing quality.
Master the Art of the Final Hour
If you’re willing to wait until the very last moment, you might be able to secure a steep discount. This is because hotels, airlines, and other service providers would rather make a loss on a room, or seat, than leave it completely unoccupied. Thus, they slash prices to fill up the space.
This applies even to particular forms of holiday. You can look for last-minute ski holidays, and pay a sum for a high-end hotel room that might normally be charged for a mid-range one.
Of course, when you’re shopping in this way, your options will be considerably restricted. Thus, it’s worth researching a number of different locations and resorts, so that you can spot a good opportunity when it arises.
Leverage the Shoulder Season Shift
If you’re willing to time your visit so that it occurs outside of peak time, then you’ll benefit from a slump in demand. This goes especially if you’re able to travel outside of school holidays. The good news is that you can often get many of the same benefits that are on offer during peak time.
The weather in a luxury resort might be just as pleasant in September as it is in August, but the difference in price can be considerable. You might also be able to negotiate better prices for guesthouses, and secure vouchers issued by hotels, restaurants, and attractions looking to bolster footfall during a slower period.
Dine Like a Local Socialite
If you want to get a flavour of a given region, then you’ll want to consider what the locals are eating. Avoid the tourist traps in the central spots, and research where all of the smaller, family-run establishments are. You’ll often get amazing food at a much lower price, because you’re avoiding the premium that comes with dining in a convenient location – and the premium that comes with being a naive buyer.
Use Smart Transport Links
In luxury-focused holiday spots, the quality of public transport is often unparalleled – provided that you have the knowledge to take advantage of it, and you book your tickets far enough in advance. Try to avoid taking private cabs from the airport, if you haven’t arranged them ahead of time. You’ll be a captive market, and thus you’ll be forced to pay over the odds.
