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Get away on a shoestring
20 Aug 2007
There are many things people can do to save on everything from airline tickets to luxury hotels, managing director of online travel companies lastminute.com.au and travel.com.au Adam Johnson said.
"First of all, definitely the best place to get the best deals is online," he said. "Our cost of sale is the lowest, there's an element of self-service and suppliers know the volume of people that come to our sites."
Mr Johnson said a key to saving money on holidays was flexibility.
"Be ready to pounce on a deal," he said.
"If you're looking for a weekend or holiday break in Australia, be flexible on the destination and you can jump on the best deals for airfares and accommodation."
Mr Johnson said travellers who were looking for the best international airfares should be buying around late March when airfares were expiring, or from about September to mid-December when the so-called early bird specials were available.
"But try to avoid travelling in peak seasons – during school holidays and when key events are happening," he said.
Mr Johnson said lastminute.com.au's secret hotels section offered cut-price luxury hotels in Australia and overseas, but travellers did not know the hotel they were booking until after confirmation.
There were savings to be made travelling to particular destinations, given the strength of the Australian dollar compared to other currencies.
Mr Johnson said good-value destinations included Japan and Taiwan, South Africa, the U.S. and Argentina.
STA Travel state manager Kevin Bishop said transport tickets such as Eurail were cheaper to buy in Australia, and splitting cab fares with other travellers was a good way to save and meet people.
"Also, ask around and find out how much people have paid for things overseas so that you have a heads-up and know if you are getting ripped off before it happens," he said.
Mr Bishop also said tours represented good value, with many including some meals, and guides who can advise on places to eat and shop.
Completing long train journeys at night also saved on overnight accommodation, he said.
But travellers should not skimp on insurance. "This will save you in the end if you need surgery, your bags get stolen or your trip gets delayed," Mr Bishop said.
Article from The Advertiser
NHADA LARKIN
August 20, 2007 02:15am