TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Getting a vacation requires a significant amount of money. It is not surprising that travelers are looking for affordable holidays. A travel expert shares tips for planning a budget-friendly vacation, especially when traveling to Europe.
According to Amy Doherty, owner of Travel by Luxe, there are opportunities to find affordable vacations amidst the competition in the tourism industry. "There are still brilliant deals out there, but you have to approach planning with a bit more strategy than you did five or ten years ago," she said, as quoted from Express UK.
After finding the best discounts or determining the right time to travel, you can save money without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips from Amy Doherty that are often used when traveling to Europe.
1. Book hotels via mobile
One of Amy's main tips is to always book hotels on a mobile device, rather than a laptop. Hotels often offer exclusive discounts to mobile users because apps usually have a better conversion rate.
"If you check the same hotel on your phone versus your desktop, the mobile price is frequently lower. Websites like Booking.com or Hotels.com are particularly good for these deals," she said.
2. Set price alerts
The most effective trick for getting cheap airline tickets is setting price alerts from the beginning so you're notified when prices drop. Travelers can use platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights to set price alerts. When the price drops, they will be notified and can book before it rises again. Travelers who monitor prices for several weeks usually pay much less than those who book impulsively.
3. Choose destinations where your money is more valuable
According to Amy, the cost-of-living crisis affects how people choose vacations. If the destination choices are more flexible, look for destinations with really low daily costs. Travelers can also use comparison tools like Numbeo to compare restaurant, transportation, and accommodation costs before deciding on a destination.
4. Use installment options
When attractive offers appear but it's not yet payday, installment services can help. Amy explained that platforms like Booking.com and Expedia now offer such features. "It means you don’t lose out on a brilliant price just because the timing isn’t ideal," she said.
5. Avoid booking last minute
It's no longer the era of last-minute bookings. According to Amy, UK operators like Jet2holidays or TUI, the most stable low fares usually appear two to six months before departure. If you book too close to the departure date, you might only be scrambling for remaining rooms, and the prices rarely drop.
She suggested that March is one of the best months for smoother and calmer travel, while September and October often offer lower fares and quieter destinations. As for flights, choose Sundays to get lower prices.
6. Travel around Europe by train
Traveling by train in Europe can be much cheaper than flying, especially if booked early. Amy said that the European train network offers early discounts that are rarely matched by airlines.
7. Stay flexible with dates
If you need to change your departure or return dates, try not to exceed one day. This is because the fares can change drastically. "Airlines charge more on peak days, so playing around with your schedule is one of the easiest ways to save," she said.
8. Getting more legroom
If you want extra comfort without paying for a seat, choose the right side near the bulkhead, or the back often has more space. Most airlines will seat families together for free if they check in early and do not choose seats. Conversely, if they check in late or when the flight is very full, they will sit separately.
9. The hotel is more cost-effective than Airbnb
Amy referred to a recent Which? A study found that in most major destinations, hotels are much cheaper than Airbnb for a single room. She said hotel prices are clearer, with daily cleaning, and often include breakfast, so the value is greater. To save even more, she suggested booking hotels on Thursdays.
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