Go to a well-liked place – even when it isn’t popular
Canadians flock to sunny destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean during March break and the Christmas travel season, making them a costlier selection for those seeking to avoid the cold weather. But lower demand in July and August could make these regions more attractive to summer tourists as prices are likely to fall.
“When demand is higher, you have less choice. With less choice, you may pay more and not get exactly what you want,” said Amra Durakovic, a spokeswoman for Flight Center Travel GroupCanada.
“Traveling during off-peak hours means you escape the crowds and have better options for flights and accommodation.”
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In Mexico specifically, things could possibly be quieter than usual in the approaching months. Tourism was briefly upended in some parts of the country in February after violence erupted over the killing of a serious drug cartel leader. Travel expert Barry Choi said some should be cautious although flights to Puerto Vallarta and surrounding regions resumed a couple of days later.
“I would argue that visiting the west coast of Mexico or Mexico in general is probably the best time right now. The security is probably higher. I would bet that the resorts in Puerto Vallarta are probably heavily discounted because there have been so many drops there,” he said. “And a lot of people don’t think about going to Mexico in the summer. They’re like, ‘It’s hot. Why do I want to go to Mexico?'”
Form a gaggle
One of the simplest ways to get monetary savings on a getaway is to travel with a gaggle. Booking in bulk may also help reduce the worth per traveler, especially when flying, Durakovic said.
But to see a noticeable price change, the group normally must be larger than simply you and a handful of friends, she said. “While groups typically start at around 10 passengers, the best savings you can really get are typically around 20 people,” she said. “Then it’s a popular option for…weddings, group outings, get-togethers.”
It will also be useful when booking accommodation, Choi said. For example, the price of a flowery Airbnb might be split amongst a gaggle of friends. But he warned that in case your crew size increases an excessive amount of, other costs can quickly add up.
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“In theory, it’s great to get a group together … but then you realize it actually becomes a lot harder when you’re planning with multiple people,” he said. “You have conflicting mindsets. People want to do different things, and it might actually cost you more money.”
Book a tour
The sticker price of a travel package — from flights to hotels, transportation and even meals — can seem daunting, Durakovic said. But she said it’s among the best ways to spend money effectively, especially in comparison with travelers who resolve to do most of the same activities once they land anyway.
“I’m not sure many people see a tour as a great way to save money, but what looks more expensive at first glance can actually represent better value for money,” she said. “Not only is it convenient, but it is also one of the most efficient ways to manage not only your budget but also your time.”
Durakovic added that booking a tour may also eliminate the stress of planning an itinerary yourself, in addition to the financial risk of a plan going awry. “Missed connections, last-minute transport or even choosing the wrong location – mistakes like these add up quickly.”
Stay flexible
Deciding to fly to your destination even a day later than you hoped could make a “massive” difference in price, Durakovic said. It underlines what she believes is one of the crucial essential suggestions, regardless of where or while you travel: stay flexible.
“One day can make all the difference,” she said. “The biggest advantage a traveler can have is to be really flexible, book and plan in advance.”
Choi reiterated that advice, adding that cheaper flights are also possible should you’re willing to travel to an airport slightly further away than the one closest to your house. Vancouver residents, for instance, may find more options in Seattle, while those in Hamilton, Ontario, could have higher luck with prices in Buffalo or Toronto. “You’re at a relatively large hub and you’ll probably still have to take another connection, but you have more options and it can often be cheaper,” he said.
Beware of scams
It could seem obvious, but Choi said considered one of the simplest ways to overspend on vacation is to fall victim to scams, tourist traps or other impulse purchases. “No matter where you go, you have to research what’s going on there. In every major city you’ll find people selling things on the street and they’re clearly fakes and not worth the money,” he said. “There’s always some kind of local fraud going on.”
