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