How to Get Discount Travel Packages

How to Get Discount Travel Packages

Article by Loretta Cape

A lot goes into planning a vacation, not least of which is the cost involved. From air fare to accommodation, transport and food, you can end up spending a tidy chunk of cash. A great way to plan your trip is to look for all-inclusive holiday packages that cover travel, hotel booking, car rentals etc at cheap prices. Finding travel packages offering discounted rates is not as difficult as you may imagine. All it requires is awareness and some smart thinking. Here are some tips on how to get discounts on travel packages.

Knowing the peak seasons for travel to the country or city you wish to visit

Peak travel seasons refer to the times of the year when the particular destination is flooded with tourists. For instance Las Vegas and New York are buzzing with tourists in the week leading to New Year’s Eve. The months immediately following New Year (Feb-March) or even July-August would be consider off-peak seasons, where there is less visitor traffic. You are less likely to find discount travel package during holiday and peak seasons. On the other hand, travel agencies may offer you such discounted travel packages during the off-season months. Plan your vacation for these months – not only will you get cost savings but also enjoy a more peaceful trip sans noisy tourist traffic.

Check for frequent flyer loyalty programs offered by airlines and credit card companies

Credit card companies and airlines demonstrate their appreciation to frequent travelers through loyalty programs known as FFP (Frequent Flyer Program). You not only get discounts on airfare but also on hotel, transport rentals and in some cases, shopping. The credit card company or airline will have an understanding with participating hotels, transport rental companies and department stores, to offer customers attractive discounts when they sign up for the program travel packages. Check if your credit card company offers such a loyalty program and if you qualify for the program. Also make sure that you are aware of the terms and conditions of the program before you sign the dotted line.

Enquire if the visitor bureau of the city you plan to visit offers discount travel packages

As part of its tourism promotion, the visitor bureau of the city or state you plan to visit may offer discounted travel packages. Such offers may not be offered on a frequent basis, so it is best if you request the bureau for a notification by email when it plans to offer such packages.

Take advantage of gift tickets

Another way to save on travel costs is to take advantage of gift tickets. Companies like US Airlines offer such free travel vouchers as part of their promotional campaigns. These are the real deal and you can consider yourself lucky if you get a US Airlines letter offering you free tickets.

Planning your trip in advance

Last minute booking is a sure fire way to drive up travel costs. Not only may you have to pay quite a bit in airfare but you will not find enough time to chart out your itinerary and see how you can cut costs. When you plan in advance, you get time to look at the different discount trip packages on offer, and see which one best suits your vacation needs and budget.

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