A few things I've learned along the way ...
☼ Check several travel sites because listings, reviews and prices differ
☼ This also makes it a bit time-consuming
☼ Everything is covered; from accommodation to transport, itineraries to travel guides/agencies.
☼ Whether it's cheaper to book directly with a hotel or guide than using a site depends on several factors so you really need to do your research
☼ If you're taking the direct route, you should probably elect to pay in person if that's allowed. If not, using an established site is safer as payments then are through them.
☼ Booking - flights - Booking early tends to be cheaper and allows you the luxury of selecting your seat most often but if you don't have to worry about visas or putting down deposits for accommodation, you could get a good deal at the last minute
☼ Booking - accommodation - If you're a risk-taker, the non-refundable bookings tend to be the cheapest. But if you're not a gambler, go for deals with free cancellation allowed close to the time of your visit. That way you can keep an eye out for flash sales either for the same accommodation or others at the same location. Then just cancel your existing booking and re-book!
Why do any research at all? Why not get a travel agent to book things for ya?
Well, I've saved €50 by booking flights just three months in advance and there's a €1,000 difference between what my Seychelloise travel agent quoted for accommodation and what I booked on my own after some research.
Research has its rewards!
☼ Check several travel sites because listings, reviews and prices differ
☼ This also makes it a bit time-consuming
☼ Everything is covered; from accommodation to transport, itineraries to travel guides/agencies.
☼ Whether it's cheaper to book directly with a hotel or guide than using a site depends on several factors so you really need to do your research
☼ If you're taking the direct route, you should probably elect to pay in person if that's allowed. If not, using an established site is safer as payments then are through them.
☼ Booking - flights - Booking early tends to be cheaper and allows you the luxury of selecting your seat most often but if you don't have to worry about visas or putting down deposits for accommodation, you could get a good deal at the last minute
☼ Booking - accommodation - If you're a risk-taker, the non-refundable bookings tend to be the cheapest. But if you're not a gambler, go for deals with free cancellation allowed close to the time of your visit. That way you can keep an eye out for flash sales either for the same accommodation or others at the same location. Then just cancel your existing booking and re-book!
Why do any research at all? Why not get a travel agent to book things for ya?
Well, I've saved €50 by booking flights just three months in advance and there's a €1,000 difference between what my Seychelloise travel agent quoted for accommodation and what I booked on my own after some research.
Research has its rewards!
