The greatest secret to affordable air travel or accommodation discounts is to know your budget and what you really want. Additionally, you should shop and compare deals until you’ve looked at all your options and choose the best among them. And importantly, always plan ahead. Nothing is too early when it comes to vacation planning. This will give you ample time to search and choose.

Whether you’re a business traveler or planning a family vacation, here are some air travel tips to help you save money and choose the best deal:

1. Buy your ticket directly. Travel agents usually charge between $15 and $35 per ticket, so you can save a bit by buying direct. If the holiday you’re planning has a number of different components to it – air travel to your cruise departure point and hotels before and after, for example – then simplifying things by going through an agent might be worth the added cost. That’s your choice.

2. Make all your purchases/reservations at once for these mutli faceted trips instead of buying one at a time. Discounts may be available on booking fees this way.

3. Booking for a package tour that includes air travel, accommodation and any other expense could be a wise choice for some destinations.

4. Compare prices online for the best discounts. There are websites that help travelers to shop and compare. Some also provide travel tips and guidelines.

5. Play the seasons. Some travel destinations are cheapest at certain times or seasons of the year. Booking for an off-peak season also would give you the best deal.

For both air travel and driving, avoid the crowds by traveling during the week, especially from Tuesday through Thursday. An added bonus is that airfares for travel Tuesday through Thursday are usually cheaper.

Mid-morning and late afternoon flights tend to be less crowded, plus you can really avoid commute traffic during this time. Travel sites also offer the low down on late-night flights (also known as red-eye flights for obvious reasons): these flights can help you avoid traffic but it’s only effective if you can sleep sitting up-right on a plane!

And did you know that traveling off-peak means traveling during holidays (not before or after) when airfares are lower and there’s less road traffic?

Some of the most affordable air travel deals of the year can be found in the fall. If you find super off-peak dates that fall between major holidays, strike while the iron is hot. Book immediately with your discount travel broker. Never hesitate!

6. Be flexible with travel dates and times. Some airlines and hotels offer substantial discounts if you book one or two days earlier.

7. Smaller airlines often have smaller fares. Additionally, small airlines don’t necessarily mean smaller airplanes.

8. Using an alternative airport also could provide you with substantial discounts. Ask your travel agent about it.

9. Plan ahead. The earlier you book, the better deal you will have.

10. Buy trip insurance. Insurance will not only save your life but also could save you money. If you end up being sick in foreign country, your insurance back home might not cover it. Thus you might end up using your vacation budget on hospitalization.

11. Sign up for hotel and airline awards programs. Chain hotels usually have award programs; take advantage of it especially if you are a frequent business traveler. Finally, never stop bargaining, always explore the possibility of lower airfare, lower hotel rates.

However, it is important to weigh and compare all options, since not all cheap travel deals will give you the travel value you deserve. Travel will be more enjoyable if you get the most for your hard earned vacation budget, and some hotels aren’t fit to stay in no matter how cheap they are. You do want to remember your trip for the right reasons!

James Yee

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/best-travel-deals-for-your-holiday-137030.html

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