How to save money buying travel online and get the best deal

Jolana Klobouk Want to save some money when booking your travel online? Here are some tips to help you do just that. You at home have access to thousands of travel deals with the click of a mouse.

1. Subscribe to travel e-newsletters

Most airlines, tour operators, online travel agencies and travel sites have newsletters that they will send you via email; these usually include their latest travel deals.

2. Shop around

Check various travel sites and make sure you are comparing apples to apples, know what is included. That great cruise deal may not include airfare to the port! Also check in with a travel agent to compare prices. They may in fact have a better travel deal for you.

3. Consider all possible discounts

Do you have Air Miles or frequent flyer miles you can cash in? AAA/CAA membership or other affiliations? Ask about child or senior discounts. Do they have family rates or group rates? Don't be afraid to ask.

4. Make the travel web sites do the work for you

Some of them will let you specify the dates of travel and vacation you are looking for and will send you an email when the price reaches your limit.

5. Travel in off-season.

Off-season will vary depending on where you are travelling so do your research and find out when that is. Off-season includes winter for Europe and Asia, summer and early fall for the Caribbean, when the kids are in school for theme parks and so on.

6. Traveling during the week can save you money

Saturday and midweek flights are less crowded and, thus, more prone to last minute discounting. Some companies charge a bit less for vacation package that leave mid-week. Also, business hotels are more likely to charge less on weekends.

7. Consult your newspaper’s travel section

The Saturday travel sections in newspapers are still a good source for travel news, tips and last minute travel deals, departing from your city. Read them religiously.

8. Do some negotiating of your own.

Just ask for a deal or a better price! This will usually work if you are dealing with a hotel or car rental company directly. It may also work with some travel agents.

9. Start looking around early for a last minute travel deal

When looking for a last minute travel deal, start shopping around about 6 weeks prior to your departure to get a good idea for prices and availability. Narrow down where you want to go and compare some prices. About 3 weeks prior to departure is probably your best time to book. When you notice packages begin to sell out, you want to book before you miss out on that travel deal. The prices only go so low and sometimes sell out before they really drop in price.

10. Book early

Some of the best deals may be had booking early. Most tour operators and cruise companies offer discounts for early booking. If there is a specific date you want to travel and or you have a specific resort or destination in mind, you are better off to book early and secure your vacation than to risk waiting for a last minute travel deal that may or may not happen.

No matter where you end up getting your travel deal, the more homework you do, the more informed consumer you’ll be. And online travel sites are a great place to start.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jolana Klobouk is the webmaster of http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com. A parent and former travel agent, she has travelled extensively for work and vacations with her family.