OK. But where and how do I get the best bargain? I want the best price! Do I have to spend 3 to 4 hours hopping from search engine to search engine? The thought almost makes me want to stay home!
Let’s start with the last question first. NO, you do not have to spend hours researching. Your own time is far more valuable to you than that. Over the last 4 months I have done dozens of searches for the best bargains in air travel. Learning and following just a few guidelines will save you hours of research from the very beginning.
Don’t waste your time, because that’s exactly what you’re wasting, and time is money. Three hours of research may save you $5 on each airline reservation. At this point in time (market circumstances will change and also these guidelines will change), being aware of the following guidelines should save you hours of searching.
1) The most expensive tickets are for days and times when more people are traveling.
2) The most expensive tickets are for prime destinations during prime events.
3) Passengers can expect to pay more for tickets purchased at short notice.
4) Likewise, you’ll pay more if you feel you have to book flights weeks or months in advance.
From this information, it’s fairly obvious that you won’t get the bargains if you travel during vacation time when lots of others are competing for those seats.
If your destination is a popular vacation spot during prime vacation time, you won’t see the bargains.
If you have to fly tomorrow, you probably will pay a premium for the seat.
If you have to secure your seat weeks or months in advance to guarantee your place, don’t expect a bargain price.
“So, where are the bargains?” you ask. That’s simple. If you can be flexible and travel when others don’t, or travel to locations that are not prime vacation destinations, you should be able to find the bargains.
Don’t wait until the last minute and don’t book earlier than 14 days out. Remember that airlines charge a premium if you book as far out as 4 months or more.
From time to time airlines offer special promotional deals. Frequently check independent travel sites that specialize in travel tips and resource information such as www.cedarviewtravelresources.com. Also, you may wish to sign up to receive e-mail from specific airlines as an interested customer. They will then notify you of their travel promotions.
Finally, a few words to those of you who do not have the luxury of flexibility in your travels. You can shop around a bit if you wish, but honestly, you probably won’t find the bargains on search engines or from the airlines themselves.
I myself have spent hours and talked with friends who spent hours going from search engine to search engine, from vendor to vendor, looking for that discount airline ticket that would take away the agony of a prime-price ticket, with the results of finding a ticket for $5 cheaper. Again, I respond, “Time is money. You can better afford paying the $5 and spending your time preparing for the trip.”
Finding the best price for travel and lodging can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. Your own personal education on how travel bookings work, when to book, and where it’s worth your time to research prices and availability will serve you far better than divesting your own time searching. Don’t make the mistake of believing that you’re investing your time wisely.
Begin or broaden your education at www.cedarviewtravelresources.com. We’ve done the research for you.