Modern package holidays began gaining popularity in Britain in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, but you may be amazed to know that the first package holidays were offered by tour operator Thomas Cook as long ago as 1841. In the last few decades, package holidays have offered a simple and convenient way to enjoy a break in the sun, and often the cheapest way to take a holiday. The popularity of package holidays has resulted in a competitive market that now offers a range of options to suit different budgets. As with all competitive markets, you’ll find value for money if you know what you’re doing, but also plenty of deals that can be bettered. Here are a few tips that can help you secure the best value for your hard earned cash when shopping for package holidays.
The two key factors in determining the price of package holidays are timing and location. In terms of location, the price you’ll pay is not solely determined by the distance you’ll have to travel. The travel business is especially reliant on economies of scale. This means that the more popular the destination, the larger and therefore cheaper the bulk-buy for tour operators when putting together holiday deals. Established flight providers Monarch now offer a range of package holidays for example, which means that traditional operators are branching out to offer a more complete service.
If you are not fussy about the exact location of your holiday, as long as you see the sun, you may be able to find the best bargains through last minute bookings. Most people are now aware of the bargains that can be picked up through last minute bookings, with the general rule of thumb being that the later you leave the booking, the cheaper the package will be. Basically, tour operators offer these deals to ensure that at least some revenue is extracted from any vacant airplane seats and accommodation already paid for in the aforementioned block bookings. This means that the last minute deals available are determined by trends in mass consumption, and can therefore be fairly random.
If you know your destination, however, the opposite advice applies when it comes to making your booking – book as early as possible. Bookings up to nine months in advance can secure better deals, as again, this helps the tour operators with the block booking process, helping match supply to demand.
Another timing issue that can have a huge influence on the cost of package holidays is when you will take your holiday. Peak season is largely determined by the school summer holidays, and so holidays at this time will come at a premium. For those with children, there may be little option but to take the family vacation during this time, so make sure that you book as early as possible.
