When planning a holiday, many people consider booking a staycation over the weekend for a relaxing break. However, this may lead to higher expenses.
To save money, it is advisable to wait until after the weekend rush and corporate bookings settle down before making your reservation. Tuesday is highlighted as the best day to book a holiday due to increased availability and platforms trying to fill vacant rooms quickly.
Flexibility is key in taking advantage of potential savings, even if it means dealing with some uncertainty.
Hotels typically have a 24 to 48-hour cancellation policy, leading to discounted rates on cancelled rooms, as reported by the Express.
While risky, last-minute hotel deals can be found after 6pm, particularly if you are in the vicinity. However, this strategy may not apply to major chains like Premier Inn and Travelodge.
Travel expert Linda Reynolds from Personal Travel Agents advises booking early for the best deals. Platforms like Google Hotels, Kayak, and Trivago can be useful in tracking price drops and finding great holiday offers.
Timing Your Holiday Bookings
For optimal value, consider booking hotel stays from Sunday to Thursday to avoid weekend price hikes targeting short-stay vacationers.
Factor in school holidays, bank holidays, and local events, as they can drive up prices. Reynolds notes that Sunday nights in cities and midweek stays in rural areas are often cheaper due to fluctuating demand.
When planning a trip to London or other major cities like Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Bristol, consider accommodation options in zones two to three for better value and convenient transport links.
Money coach Maddy Alexander-Grout recommends exploring the Plans Change marketplace for discounted trips, with savings starting at 25% off regular rates.
She shared, “I often travel for work and use the site to save about 20% on direct hotel bookings.”
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