May 2009. 10 tips for choosing a holiday in these uncertain times
10 Suggested Tips for Choosing a Holiday.
With the ever-present gloom over the economy, the question of where to go on holiday is a tricky one. Giving up on a holiday altogether is too depressing to contemplate (well, we would say that – but at Shellseekers we love our own holidays every bit as much as we enjoy arranging them for our lovely clients!).
Botswana and Andalucia
Here are some hints and suggestions for getting the best value for your holiday:
1. Try and travel out of peak times if you can. You will get cheaper flights and better rates on accommodation. This is tricky when you are tied to certain holiday dates, but even going at the end of August can be cheaper than the beginning.
2. Destinations where you currently get the most for your GB£ include:
- South Africa and Namibia (the rand represents good value). If you have never considered Namibia, we highly recommend it for a fabulous holiday – and the Air Namibia flights are not as expensive as most direct flights to South Africa. If you have been to South Africa before, the chances are that you already know it is a great holiday destination – with plenty to offer for a second (or third, or fourth!) visit.
- European countries not yet in the Euro zone such as Hungary, Croatia, Poland, Turkey. They may quote prices in Euros but when you are there prices are in the local currency and much better value. Even Russia is becoming better value as the credit crunch hits. Do not forget the Channel Islands - they represent a lovely, old fashioned, holiday suitable for all ages and you do not have to fuss with exchanging money or going through passport control.
Turkey
- Choose a European country in the season which is not traditionally considered best. For example, Austria in summer (see our Special Offer for May-October 2009). Take a city break in winter – Venice can be romantic and atmospheric in winter and flights and hotels very reasonable (ask us about our favourite Venice Hotel). Similarly, visit cities with Christmas Markets at the end of November when the markets are newly open.
- Many countries in Asia still quote prices in local currency which represents good value. There are some very reasonable flight prices to India, and taking a holiday in India is surprisingly good value. Sri Lanka is an Asian country which combines so much in a small island, you get a great deal for your money and this is a fabulous holiday destination. Once again, think off-peak!
- Australia and New Zealand. The problem with these is the distance and you really do need a minimum of 3 weeks to counter the jet lag and give you a chance to see a decent amount of either country. However, both countries offer so much in terms of holidays and the rate of exchange with the Australian and NZ $ is quite good. Flight prices have dropped substantially recently to both these destinations.
3. - South American countries tend to be priced in US dollars – but prices are coming down in order to counter the detrimental effect this is having on tourism and South America generally remains very good value. Do ask us about special offers to Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador (including the Galapagos Islands). Consider a self-drive in Chile…. huge variety of scenery and excellent places to stay … we will route your holiday and our colleagues in the country are there to assist throughout. People tend to not consider self-drive in South America, but Chile is one country where it is safe and fun.
4. Pay as much as you can in advance. This makes budgeting so much easier and avoids those horrendous bills following you home. It is tempting to relax on holiday and spend more than you anticipated. By pre-paying as many elements as you can – (accommodation, transport, day tours, tickets to musical events etc) it is much simpler to control spending on meals and necessities by having a daily “kitty” and staying within this.
5. If renting a property – think big. Instead of looking for a smaller villa or apartment, consider something larger and more expensive than you anticipated and then share it with family or friends. This can save you all a surprising amount of money and you also get to stay somewhere absolutely fabulous (for an example, see our Chateau in France)!
6. Alternative Caribbean – choose Cuba or Costa Rica (yes, we know that they both have more than a Caribbean coast) because the prices tend to be less than the traditional Caribbean. Both destinations are much more than beach holidays, and we think it may be advisable to see Cuba sooner rather than later whilst it still has its particular, chaotic, charm. Do ask us about Special Offers to the Caribbean generally, as we get these through regularly.
Classic Cuba
7. Grab bargain flights when you see them. Then contact Shellseekers to arrange the body of the holiday on those dates. It is rare that this cannot be done – especially as the bargain flights are usually low season. By being flexible on your destination, you could have a wonderful surprise by going somewhere you had not previously considered.
8. Use the train. Not only good value, but good for your temper! Saves all the struggle of airports. You can travel to most of Europe by train, travel overland in the USA by train, go from one side of Canada to the other by train, travel up the Queensland coast in Australia by train etc. etc.
9. Let us know at Shellseekers where it is you have always wanted to go. We are getting Special Offers through all the time and do not have time to put them all on the website or send out e-mails. If we know you are dying to go to the Masai Mara or the Galapagos Islands (for example) but think it is too pricey – we will contact you when we get super deals through for the place of your dreams.
10. Think positive – call us and have a chat. We may come up with a holiday you had not considered, which will work brilliantly. It costs nothing to get some ideas and see what we can suggest.
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Enjoying wine in Argentina - Relaxing in Sri Lanka
