Trying to travel on a budget isn't easy. We decided to get to the bottom of the last-minute deal (is it a myth?) and how to choose a destination. Here to answer our questions is Mandy Gresh, Country Manager for Travelzoo Canada...
We’ve always heard that the more last minute you book a trip, the better deal you will get. True or False?
It depends in part on what you are looking for. I would suggest that you start out by asking yourself these two questions:
- Am I booking a pre-packaged vacation?
- Am I open to going anywhere?
If your answer to both these questions is yes, then in most cases, it’s true. As long as you’re booking your flight and hotel together, and don’t care where you’re going, then there are some great deals to be had at the last minute. But holiday weeks (like March Break and Christmas), still tend to be pricey, even up until the last minute. Also, this year we’ve seen some companies offering better incentives for pre-booking, so make sure to keep your eyes open for deals at all times as booking trends can change.
On the other hand, if you’re booking your flight and hotel separately, and have a specific destination in mind, then the last-minute deal does not apply for the most part. Occasionally there are last-minute flight deals, but 90% of the time the best fares are booked at least 14-21 days out. The good news is that once you’ve got your flight, it’s worth it to search around a bit for your hotel. All hotel companies offer different incentives depending on when you book, so be sure to get all the details to find out if you should book right away or keep hunting.
Where should we be going right now? Is the economy affecting any particular destinations?
From both a hotel and airfare perspective, there are some great Las Vegas deals out there right now. Most major cities are offering amazing rates due to a lack of business travel. New York has some of the best hotel prices I’ve seen in years, especially on the weekends. Buenos Aires is another favourite for stretching a budget – our dollar is worth triple there. Many people also forget Eastern Europe – countries including the Czech Republic and Hungary aren’t on the Euro yet, making them a great value for Canadians.
How can you tell if an all-inclusive is going to be a great deal, or a great mistake?
Do your homework. Research online to see what people are saying about the resort you’re considering. Make sure the package actually does include everything (some deals are breakfast and dinner only), and look up the star rating. Nothing is totally fool proof, but the more research you do, the better chance you have of ensuring your vacation spot meets (and even exceeds) your expectations.
When should you see a doctor before travelling?
It’s advisable to consult with your doctor as soon as possible before traveling if you think you’re going somewhere risky or that might require vaccinations. Make sure to do research your research and give yourself plenty of time to have any needs taken care of before your trip.
Mandy Gresh has been the country manager for online travel deals publisher, Travelzoo since leading the company's expansion into Canada in March of 2006. Travelzoo Canada produces a weekly Top 20 Travel Deals newsletter that has more than 800,000 Canadian subscribers.
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