With Easter just round the corner, there will be some great last minute bargain holidays around. But how do you get the best travel deals?
Start by using online flight and accommodation booking sites that offer deals from different airlines and hotels. It’s a great way to shop around and compare prices.
If you are uncertain about certain hotels, you can always check out reviews of the accommodation on Tripadvisor. If you are taking the family and kids you can save money if you book an apartment instead of a hotel. You might even want to consider a farm stay.
But if you are on a budget, breakfast at the hotel can be an expensive convenience. Best to book room only and have breakfast in a local café.
Airfares are usually the most expensive item of your holiday but if you are flexible with your dates and time of the day you fly, you can save a fair bit, says ASIC’s MoneySmart.
It is always cheaper to fly before 8 am or after 8 pm and Wednesday is typically the least expensive day to fly in Australia.
You should always look out the cost of visiting museums, galleries and using public transport. Often, there are special weekly or combination passes available at a discount price.
When you reach your destination, pick up tourist magazines which may have offers like two-for-one deals and discount coupons such as “kids eat free” or “free entry before 6 pm”
It’s always good to walk when sightseeing because you are more likely to catch free entertainment and street buskers.
Here are some hot deals available:
*If you fancy a two-night getaway to Brisbane over Easter, then Flight Centre has a flight and hotel package staying in a deluxe room at Grand Chancellor Hotel for $429 per person. Travel is from 1 April to 1 October this year.
*A three-night hotel and flight package to Hobart staying at the Wrest Point Hotel costs $405 per person from Flight Centre. Travel is between 1 April and 30 September this year. Daily buffet breakfast and a round of golf is included.
*Webjet is offering a two-night flight and hotel family package of two adults plus two children staying at the five-star QT hotel on the Gold Coast at $389 per person quad share. Daily buffet breakfast is included.
*Webjet has a five-night flight and accommodation family package for two adults plus two children staying at the Pearl Resort in Fiji at $989 per person quad share. Daily buffet breakfast is included.