‘Tis the season to take a European vacation, but with both international airfare and hotel rates up 16 and six percent, respectively, as compared to last summer, what’s a world wanderer on a budget to do? Here are my five top tips for booking a cheap vacation to Europe this summer.
1. Travel during the shoulder season. This is May, early June and September. If you have the flexibility to avoid July and August, do so. Prices are lower in shoulder season months, crowds are fewer and the weather is just as nice — if not nicer. It’s too late for May or June of 2011, but consider taking a trip in September. If you want really rock bottom prices, go over Thanksgiving weekend. It will be on the chilly side in many locations, but may not matter if you’re planning on a city vacation.
2. Book your flight and hotel together. The easiest and most overlooked way to save. Hotels and airlines are more likely to lower their rates when the customer only sees one total price and doesn’t know where the savings are coming from. Plus, having all your travel booked in one place makes things easier if something should go wrong on your trip. A Travelocity study found the savings of purchasing a vacation package is up to $525 as compared to booking the exact same trip elements separately.
3. Fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. If you can incorporate one — or preferably more — of these days of the week into your flight plans, you’re likely to save big bucks. These are the least-traveled days of the week and tend to command the lowest prices.
4. Consider a cruise. Cruising can be a great way to control costs, after all, cruises include your accommodations, meals and transportation between ports. Cruising is also a great way to see several cities on one trip. Don’t forget to factor in shore excursions as they can add up fast; if you’re the adventurous type, you’ll save by exploring on your own rather than booking excursions through the cruise line. Just be sure you’re back at the ship in plenty of time to set sail for the next port.
5. Book hotels offering added value. Hotels aren’t keen on slashing prices, but this summer they’re all about added value. Look out for free nights, free room upgrades and free breakfast deals to sweeten the deal. A free breakfast goes a long way when trying to control food costs abroad.
Genevieve Shaw Brown, Travelocity Employee
Latest posts by Genevieve Shaw Brown, Travelocity Employee (see all)
- Eight Tips for Traveling with Teens - July 6, 2011
- Five Tips for Booking a Cheap Vacation to Europe this Summer - June 10, 2011
- Eight Tips for First-Time Cruisers - January 19, 2011
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I would love to see if you could posible find a vacation package to two countries
Italy and France For three weeks. The problem I have is the my partner lives in Mexico
And I live in USA , I was thinking of flying to to leon guanajuato,mexico and start our
Vacation in Venice Italy, Florence, and Rome . And then ride the train to Paris . Hotel and air fares . If you could possible find something would appreciate it very much.
I have been trying to put a package but couldn’t find anything. Fell free and make any suggestions. Thanks jorge pantoja
After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any way youll be able to remove me from that service? Thanks!
Great article. I previousally to spend alot of my time water skiing and being involved in sports. It was quite possible the most memorable period of my childhood and your info somehow brought back us of that. Thanks