By: Julia Aidan
Submitted: 2011-08-30 10:51:31 | Word Count: 587
Whether it's a bucket and spade bargain or a cut-price city break, everyone loves a cheap holiday. Hays Travel's holiday experts are dab hands at hunting down brilliant travel deals. Here, they share their top tips for bagging a cheap holiday.
Go for longer - it might sound odd, but sometimes fortnight-long holidays can be cheaper than those that last seven nights. This usually happens at a time when demand for week-long packages is higher; think the end of the school holidays, for example.
Build your own - The Hays Travel website makes it really easy to build your own holiday - exactly as you want it. Book your flights, accommodation and transfers separately and it will usually be much cheaper than a ready-made package holiday. Plus, you get the added convenience of being able to choose the perfect flight, duration and hotel.
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Take your friends - self catering holidays are much cheaper if an apartment is packed to its full potential. Avoid under occupancy supplements and divide the total cost of the accommodation between more of you.
Look at bed and breakfast - If you're a couple, self catering isn't always the cheapest option. Check out prices for B&B if you want to avoid under occupancy charges. If you really want to go self catering, save money by staying in a smaller studio apartment. Hays have plenty of cheap accommodation on their website.
Go all inclusive - If you end up spending a lot of money on food and drink when you're on holiday, all inclusive is always cheaper in the long run. Hays have a huge choice of cheap all inclusive holidays. Food and drink is included in the cost of your getaway - and you could save a fortune!
Avoid the Euro - Bulgaria, Egypt, Turkey and America are all good choices if you want to avoid the Euro. Choose destinations with a favourable exchange rate and you'll benefit from cheaper accommodation and more spending money.
Be flexible - If you're looking for a late deal, be as flexible as you can - you could bag a real bargain. Consider trying a new destination or resort, flying from a different departure airports or setting off on a night flight - all of these could get you a cheap deal.
Book early - There are often some brilliant deals to be had if you book in advance. Hays Travel have got some bargain 2012 holidays already. Secure your perfect holiday with a deposit, pay it off in instalments and have plenty of time to save up your spends! If you're looking for a city break, it's usually cheaper to book early as many low cost airfares are cheaper when they're booked in advance.
Go at quiet times - Holiday prices are based on supply and demand, so if you're looking for a cheap holiday, consider going at a quieter time. Trips to Ibiza are much cheaper after the big clubs close at the end of September, but the weather is still mild and the beaches beautiful. Some of the cheapest holiday deals are in early to mid December, when many people are too busy thinking about Christmas. It's a great chance to escape the rush, grab some winter sun and pick up some bargain Christmas presents!
