| There are 2 basic ways to plan your next holiday | | | | taking the mini breaks which are perhaps not as |
| and the first way often seems a little unfair due | | | | regimented as their main summer vacation. As |
| to the costs and time restraints involved. | | | | most of you are aware, many airlines offer |
| The organized trip: This is suited mainly for | | | | cheaper tickets the earlier you book, but if you're |
| families with young children or those tied to the | | | | traveling off season, you can gamble and find |
| work desk where they have to give notice of | | | | much reduced fares just days before you are |
| their main annual leave one year in advance. It | | | | due to depart. Another late holiday deal trick, is to |
| may sound a little unfair but as we have what are | | | | do as much of the arranging yourself as possible. |
| called the 'peak' periods, it means that if there | | | | Now, many folks don't need the hassle, but if |
| were no rules set down, many workplaces would | | | | you're looking to save a few bucks it really is |
| be without staff, particularly during July and | | | | worth the extra effort. I always call a couple of |
| August. The downside to pre-booked peak period | | | | hotels direct and ask if they have any promotions |
| vacations of course, is that you're not likely | | | | going on. I've been real lucky with this simple |
| benefit from a late holiday deal. | | | | tactic. |
| The unorganized trip: Perfect for youths, single | | | | Actually, you might think it's a little cheeky or |
| folks, and those who can get away from work at | | | | underhanded but I will get a brochure from a |
| a moments notice. When I was living the selfish | | | | travel agency, and pick out a trip which interests |
| life of a bachelor, I managed to experience some | | | | me. I'll then break it down into transportation to |
| of the best and most memorable vacations of | | | | and from airports, flights, accommodation, and |
| my life. The buzz from not knowing quite where | | | | insurance. I don't worry about excursions because |
| you might end up, or when, or for how long, is | | | | they can be had for a song on arrival should I |
| both exciting and adventurous. | | | | want them. I then do a little online pricing to see |
| Other benefits for unorganized traveling means | | | | what savings can be had. Sometimes, the |
| that your are available for grabbing that late | | | | package deals are very well put together by the |
| holiday deal, plus the choice to keep away from | | | | agents, and therefore hard to beat, but quite |
| peak holiday periods where all the popular places | | | | often, you can make your own late holiday deal |
| are packed beyond belief and overcharge for | | | | at a great saving. |
| everything. So, the late holiday deal does not only | | | | But don't rule out the travel agents altogether. |
| gives you great discounts at the drop of a hat, | | | | There are a few in my town that have my |
| but if you time it right, it's cheaper once you get | | | | personal contact details, and we have an |
| there too, so the potential savings are huge | | | | arrangement where they call me whenever there |
| depending where you go and for how long. | | | | is a late holiday deal available due to a last minute |
| Most folks though, begin to plan their summer | | | | cancellation, or special promotion. There's no |
| holidays in the midst of winter, and their winter | | | | obligation and it's nice to be informed. |
| vacations mid summer. If you really want to | | | | The best place to get practice with arranging your |
| secure a particular place at a specific time, then | | | | own late holiday deals is on the internet. Save a |
| panning ahead is a necessary evil. In 1997, I took | | | | few of your favored airlines, hotels, and |
| the same holiday package as my sister to | | | | destinations to your favorite's folders and have |
| Thailand and it cost me half as much. I got to go | | | | yourself a little check list handy so that you can |
| during the Thai winter too (December/January) | | | | tot up as you go along. It's quite good fun as an |
| which guaranteed cloudless skies, warm sunshine, | | | | exercise even if you have to immediate plans to |
| and almost zero humidity. | | | | go anywhere. Bon voyage! |
| But late holiday deals can still be had by many | | | | |