As the Marketing Director for a travel/holiday company, I'm always being asked on the best way to save money on holidays (vacations). As I'm privy to a lot of insider information about pricing, I'm always happy to share this information with friends and family. Here are my best 6 tips.
One of the main summer sports that draws people to the resort year on year is mountain biking. The Portes du Soleil is the mecca for mountain biking with Morzine and Les Gets being the most popular destination for bikers in the whole of the Alps. Morzine and Les Gets has the greatest variety of mountain bike trails to suit everyone from the most advanced right down to those who are only just beginning to enjoy the sport. The area is a dream come true for bikers with 1000kms of trails and the largest lift network in Europe. Downhillers are kept happy with 7 DH courses complete with jumps, tunnels, berms and banks. Cross Country bikers will also not be disappointed as they are kept entertained by bike trails covering 1000kms including singletrack riding and Fire Roads. All ensuring repeat visits every summer!
Try one of the travel industry "innovations" such as auctions, deals or clubs Many reputable and bonded companies now run travel auctions, either via an auction site such as ebay or directly on their own website. There are numerous other tricks and innovations, such as "Buy one, get one free" holidays, typically for people who are able (and prepared) to travel in the off-season. There are a number of holiday "clubs" springing up that offer their "members" holidays discounted by huge percentages. Never be tempted to pay to be a "member" but sign up to a few to receive their offers - and always check the prices before booking to make sure they really are being offered at the discount stated.
Be aware of booking seasonsThere are different booking seasons as well as holiday seasons, and being aware of them is crucial in bagging a bargain. For example, villa companies make a lot of sales for summer arrivals in December and January, so are less inclined to shave the price. However, they'd like to be selling some apartments and hotels, but there is less demand - at these times, you can often negotiate a deal on something that has less demand. Another seasonal factor is your arrival date. On the Greek Islands, the season runs from May to October, with peak being July and August. Holiday companies will take contracts on their villas and apartments for the entire season and know that they are likely to sell availability in the peak season, when demand is high, but unlikely to sell out in the shoulder months. Consider travelling in May, September and October, when you are more likely to get a discount, and if you're a couple or smaller party, you could ask for a villa for the price of an apartment - this can sometimes work because family villas are less popular outside school holiday periods - and just enjoy some extra space at no extra cost.
Register for newsletters This is all about information and choice. Only register for the companies that you would trust to take you on holiday, so your inbox isn't cluttered up by endless travel emails! However, most companies advertise their cheap holiday deals and offers via their newsletter, often when they don't advertise them on the Summer Holidays because they want the unsuspecting "just found the website" booker to have the chance to pay full price. Don't be that person.
One of the main summer sports that draws people to the resort year on year is mountain biking. The Portes du Soleil is the mecca for mountain biking with Morzine and Les Gets being the most popular destination for bikers in the whole of the Alps. Morzine and Les Gets has the greatest variety of mountain bike trails to suit everyone from the most advanced right down to those who are only just beginning to enjoy the sport. The area is a dream come true for bikers with 1000kms of trails and the largest lift network in Europe. Downhillers are kept happy with 7 DH courses complete with jumps, tunnels, berms and banks. Cross Country bikers will also not be disappointed as they are kept entertained by bike trails covering 1000kms including singletrack riding and Fire Roads. All ensuring repeat visits every summer!
Try one of the travel industry "innovations" such as auctions, deals or clubs Many reputable and bonded companies now run travel auctions, either via an auction site such as ebay or directly on their own website. There are numerous other tricks and innovations, such as "Buy one, get one free" holidays, typically for people who are able (and prepared) to travel in the off-season. There are a number of holiday "clubs" springing up that offer their "members" holidays discounted by huge percentages. Never be tempted to pay to be a "member" but sign up to a few to receive their offers - and always check the prices before booking to make sure they really are being offered at the discount stated.
Be aware of booking seasonsThere are different booking seasons as well as holiday seasons, and being aware of them is crucial in bagging a bargain. For example, villa companies make a lot of sales for summer arrivals in December and January, so are less inclined to shave the price. However, they'd like to be selling some apartments and hotels, but there is less demand - at these times, you can often negotiate a deal on something that has less demand. Another seasonal factor is your arrival date. On the Greek Islands, the season runs from May to October, with peak being July and August. Holiday companies will take contracts on their villas and apartments for the entire season and know that they are likely to sell availability in the peak season, when demand is high, but unlikely to sell out in the shoulder months. Consider travelling in May, September and October, when you are more likely to get a discount, and if you're a couple or smaller party, you could ask for a villa for the price of an apartment - this can sometimes work because family villas are less popular outside school holiday periods - and just enjoy some extra space at no extra cost.
Register for newsletters This is all about information and choice. Only register for the companies that you would trust to take you on holiday, so your inbox isn't cluttered up by endless travel emails! However, most companies advertise their cheap holiday deals and offers via their newsletter, often when they don't advertise them on the Summer Holidays because they want the unsuspecting "just found the website" booker to have the chance to pay full price. Don't be that person.
