Seven secret cheap holiday tips the travel agents would rather keep to themselves... - BLOC Magazine

In January you need more than sharp elbows to secure the best value. We have compiled these top tips to help you win the fight for the holiday you deserve.

Around 44million people will fly out of Gatwick in 2018. It is the UK’s favourite holiday departure point as it flies to more destinations than any other airport.

At BLOC Hotel, we know holidays matter, so hope this helps you secure your dream getaway, without breaking the bank.

1. Before you commit to anything, do your online research.

Check out price comparison sites, online flash sales and various tour operators. Get a ballpark idea of what is a good price for your dream holiday. If you can be flexible, look at alternative dates near the one you want to see if it's cheaper. Prices can vary with demand. 

Major tour operator offers may be included in comparison websites. But you should always check direct as well. Companies like TUI, First Choice, Thomas Cook and Olympic run last-minute holiday deals that you won’t find anywhere else online. And booking direct with a hotel means there no commission is paid to Online Travel Agents. This keeps costs to a minimum.

2. Package holidays, all-inclusive or DIY bookings

Package holidays are usually the best value for seven, 10 or 14 day stays in traditional holiday destinations. They should also come with ATOL or ABTA protection. That means you’re covered, if your travel company goes bust. Booking your flight, hotel and car hire separately can save money. Paying with a credit card gives you some consumer protection if things go wrong. 

When comparing the cost of all-inclusive holidays, remember to factor in the money you will save by not eating out. Dinner for a family of four on holiday in Europe costs around £50, according to research by the Post Office. That adds up to an extra £350-a-week on evening meals alone.

3. Book early for special holiday offers…
When it comes to holiday deals, the early bird gets the worm. Super-organised holidaymakers arrange their breaks up to a year in advance. 

Many tour operators offer early booking discounts. These can add up to savings with hundreds of pounds. Some companies offer buy-one-get-one-free weeks, free child places or free transfers.

4. …or book late to get a great deal
If you have nerves of steel, booking late can still be a great option. By late, we mean just a couple of months before your holiday. That is when bargains can be had. 

The reason is tour operators have planned their capacity, chartered the planes and reserved the rooms well in advance. They don’t want to lose money. So they drop prices to use up their capacity. But only wait if you are prepared to be flexible about your dates and destinations.

5. Timing is everything
Sunday is the best day to book, says Expedia’s Travel Trends report. Average ticket prices can be up to 30 percent cheaper compared to other days. Many travel experts reckon Tuesdays are the cheapest days to fly. Lower demand for business flights means cheaper travel. But this rule does not apply to ALL flights. Expedia say long-haul flights, leaving on Thursday and returning on Monday cost one-fifth less than leaving on Friday and returning on Saturday. 

But, for short-haul trips, the lowest-fare groupings are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday both ways. Early morning flights offer the best value and there is less chance of your plane being delayed. Guests at BLOC Hotel in the heart of Gatwick Airport are in the perfect place to ride the redeye. No other hotel gets your closer to your flight.

6. The last fortnight of summer is cheapest
It is cheapest to go on holiday when others can’t. The best deals are often either side of the school holidays. But for those with kids, that is not an option. So ABTA recommends opting for the latest possible travel dates. 

People want to jet away the minute school’s out and most want to be back in the UK for the week immediately before term starts again. So holidays in the last two weeks of the summer break tend to be the best  value.

7. Don’t follow the crowd
You can save money if you’re prepared to consider less fancied destinations. Resorts go in and out of fashion. This can mean bargain prices for once popular places.

A note of caution if you are considering braving destinations made unpopular by political turmoil. Always check the latest Foreign Office* guidance before you book. Going off the beaten track can save you money. But choosing a destination like Bulgaria over Greece, for example, may mean less facilities and places to stay. And city breaks tend to cost less in summer, as most folks prefer to head for the beach.