Introduction
Taking a vacation is not as simple as it seems. You have to plan in advance and see what you need during your vacation in terms of logistics. It’s not simply looking for a hotel during your vacation. You also have to think how to get there and if you are going to remote places, you’ll even have to find means of transport such as hiring a car on the site. Booking hotels and flights together is one way of coordinating a travel plan, saving money and reducing the administrative burden of dealing with different agencies.
Step 1
You can discover great deals for flights and hotels on travel websites. These sites offer packages that allow you to book your flights and hotels at the same time. The only data you need to enter when searching for flights and hotels are your travel dates, cities or places of departures and arrivals, and the number of people traveling. Note that when booking hotel stays, you have to take account if you are arriving the day after departure or on the same day. Most website engines are, however, intuitive and will do the calculation for you.
Step 2
Going to a travel agency can also give your great offers for flights and hotels packages. At the same time, you can look at the brochures and promotional leaflets at the agency for suitable hotels. Your travel rep has instant access to flights through their computers and will be able to tell you immediately if there are available seats on the day you intend to travel. You will also be temporarily wait listed if there are no seats on your chosen flight, so this is an advantage that you have when going to a travel agency that you cannot do online. While there, look at city or land tours that the agency can arrange for you to avail of further discounts.
Step 3
Airlines also have offers for flights and hotels together and you can do this online or drop at one of their offices. Specials are announced regularly on select destinations giving you chances to book flights and hotels together. Sign-up to their newsletters if you want to know early bird offers on flights and hotels. You can also add a car hire to the package.
Step 4
Consider using budget airlines or charter planes. Although you might have to tailor your departure dates and vacation times when there are charter vacations or budget flights on offer, this is a great way to save on flights and hotels. Charter planes, for instance, fly to destinations where there are no scheduled commercial airlines. It is a convenient way to go to a travel destination without taking too many connecting flights. Everything is arranged for you including flights and hotels. Transfers and car hire are not part of the package so you have to buy these separately.
Step 5
Don’t forget to use price comparison sites to check whether you are getting the best deals for flights and hotels packages. Get quotes from different sources such as your travel agent, airlines, and websites to see if there are price differences for the same flights and hotels packages.
Tips
When using travel websites or price comparison sites, make sure that you choose a site where you are physically located. Although most websites will detect your IP address and direct you to the right place, it is best to be on the appropriate websites as there are deals and offers for flights and hotels specific to countries.
Sources and Citations
Priceline
Monarch Holidays
