How Far Would You Go in Search of a Travel Deal?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
May 6, 2003
One of the best developments to come from the Web is the amazing ease with which it allows consumers to research. For travelers, it's amazing--the Web puts so much at our fingertips (ok, sometimes maybe even too much). When it comes to pricing, the Internet is a shopper's most valuable tool--one that gives bargain hunters a reason to stay up at night.
Yet with so much information readily available, if you're anything like me, you can be overcome with deal anxiety. That's when you've done your homework on pricing and comparison-shopped the options, but still find yourself to be a deer in the headlights along the Internet highway. Staring into the face of a great deal, you're unable to buy, and yet, unable to let it go. Reluctantly hitting refresh, you hope it doesn't vanish. Perhaps all you need is to brush up on your deal-spotting abilities in order to proceed.
When it comes to travel, I always say: be prepared to pounce. There is no time to wait if you see that coveted summer flight to Spain reduced to below $400. But, does the general traveling public really know when to buy? A recent survey of 40,000 Travelocity members proved that most people are fairly savvy when it comes to pricing, but can still use a few pointers about how to best take advantage of them. (When it comes to savings, purchasing at the right time makes all the difference.)
Below are some of the highlights from the survey--along with a few tips to help you improve, tweak, and hone your own deal-spotting abilities.
- If you are willing to be flexible about your destination, you can often find a similar, but less expensive alternate locale. Travelocity's survey found that nearly half the respondents said they would change their trip to a different (but comparable) destination--such as Paris to Rome or Nassau to St. Thomas--if they found it to be much less expensive. As you research your vacation, try to give yourself a few options, rather than limit your search to only one destination.
- The largest group of respondents (almost 40 percent) believe they get the cheapest airfare between 30 and 90 days prior to their flight departure date. Traditionally, when it comes to flying, it's highly advantageous to buy in advance, since prices rise the closer you get to the date of departure. However, sometimes life doesn't afford you all that time. Employ tools like Fare Watcher that will tell you when selected flights have come into your price range.
- Twenty-five percent of those surveyed believed they get the cheapest hotel rates if they book between one and two months prior to their stay. Hotel rates don't fluctuate nearly as much as flights. You may want to reserve a hotel room to lock in a price while you are deciding (making sure it's fully refundable.) As it gets closer, you can shop for your hotel online, remembering to look for low-price guarantees.
- When it comes to rental cars, most people expect (and rightly so) to get cheaper rates on weekends and at non-airport locations. If you can take a taxi or a bus to an non-airport location you can save a tremendous amount--some airport taxes can be as much as 14 percent a day! Also, remember to only purchase upgrades you will really use--even a few bucks a day adds up.
- With cruising, travelers expect to get the best deals when booking two months or more in advance. While this used to be the case with cruising, it's not the only way to book anymore. Travelers who plan early can often take advantage of early bird specials. However, it's increasingly possible to get some last-minute cruise deals as well. (Last-minute counts as anything sold less than 30 days in advance, in this case.) You may not be on the exact ship or taking the exact route you might have selected a few months in advance, but if you're ready to pack your bags and go in less than 30 days, you can take advantage of some astounding Web deals.
- When it comes to packages, there's still a bit of learning to do. Many travelers think they are better off booking a la carte, when in actuality, booking a more inclusive package can help them save money, time, and get a better overall value. For example, Travelocity's last-minute deals allow travelers to save up to 60 percent off the rack rate, versus booking the trip in parcels. But for these savings, you aren't limited to just last-minute packages. Look for offers that will give you air and hotel combos, which can also yield additional savings.
Now that your deal-spotting skills are sharpened, you're ready to go out there and put them to the test. No need to stay up wondering all night anymore.
For more travel tips and advice, check out Amy Ziff's blog, The Window Seat, or her monthly column, Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z. To suggest a topic for a future column or to tell about a travel experience of your own, please email Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com.
Related Links
Read more tips by Editor-at-Large Amy Ziff:
What Have You Done For Her Lately?
SARS: What Should I Do?
Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
The Guts and Glory of NOT Planning Ahead
Set Sail This Spring and Save
Take a Break While Playing It Safe
How Does a Raised Security Level Change Traveling? Will You Still Go?
Technology Goes Beyond Booking
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