Tips to Book Flights Online and Find the best Package Deals on Hotels

Tips to travel to your favourite vacation

• Check with the hotel if they have a frequent guest plan
• Ask about package deals
• If attending a conference, ask for the delegate rate
• Explore other options than hotels - homes, apartments, guest rooms and houses, B&B's , sub-let or short-term 'lease'-like agreements for example: rent a Florida house for a month, staying with family or friends, relatives or business contacts, farmhouses, self-catering apartments, Monasteries and convents in Europe are also cheaper options
• Avoid big Hotel bills, try AAA memberships, family-friendly hotels, ask for a first floor room, as most have pools (if you are fearful for little children wandering around and falling in).
• Continental breakfasts are a great money-saver for large families
• Ask about any reduced fares at hotels, consider last-minute check-ins - hotels are rarely really fully booked
• Eating in a supermarket deli-like counter proves to be much cheaper than fast-food locations or expensive restaurants

Booking Your Flight and Tips to Travel

• Explore offerings online, comparison shop and booking with discount airlines are all smart strategies. Remember flexibility on your part regarding dates and times will translate into savings.
• Enroll in an air miles, reward or frequent flyer plan that often includes discounts on hotels and car rentals.
• Timing is everything. Avoid peak periods for example, holidays, spring break, and peak business hour time's makes for more travellers en route and supply and demand will dictate pricing and cost - usually higher. Take advantage of shoulder and low season travel periods.
• Best airfare rates often involve a Saturday night stay.
• Book flights at least two weeks in advance. The closer the booking to the flight date, the more expensive it will be.
• Log on to the airline's website and check out unadvertised flight specials.
• Booking on-line usually saves a few rands too.
• Use a park-and-fly service and park your own vehicle at the airport. Driving your car there and back is much cheaper than a taxi if you live far from the airport. There are also airport bus services or shuttles that are cheaper than taxis.
• When boarding the plane, bring your own water. Airplanes are dry and flight attendants do not have time to keep refilling your glass.
• Never eat at the airport. Airport food is twice the price of food anywhere else. Try to eat before arriving at the airport or pack a few snacks to tie you over until you reach your destination.
• Once on the ground, ask the information desk about free shuttles to your hotel or use public transit.
• Save time and headaches by traveling with a bag, you can carry on the plane. Some airlines have express check-in counters for passengers traveling with carry-on luggage only.

Transportation

• Travel passes for public or mass transportation offers a good deal and can save you some money.
• Shuttles or trains are often cheaper than flights, sharing cab-fares if traveling alone
• Taxis are convenient but rarely worth the price. If you do hire a taxi, consider asking someone to split the fare with you.