Holiday experts have revealed a list of holiday hacks to help Irish sunseekers grab a bargain as one of the biggest booking weeks for summer holidays begins.
Thousands will be looking to book their holidays over the next few weeks as the short days take their toll. To ensure that you get the best deals, experts from online travel agent, On the Beach’s experts have revealed a list of tips and tricks to help you have fun in the sun this year.
Stay longer and pay less
If you’re thinking of going away for a week, check the price differences between going for six, seven and eight nights, because you could be missing out on a bargain.
According to On the Beach’s data, last year, during May, June, July and August, those going away for eight days got a much better deal than those going away for six or seven nights.
In August in particular, eight-night stays averaged at €320pp per night, whereas six-night stays in the same month cost €360pp per night.
Alternatively, those holidaying in September last year would have been best placed booking for six nights rather than seven. Six-night stays averaged at €329pp per night whereas seven-night stays averaged at €398pp per night, €68 more expensive.
A live example of this is a seven-night stay to Sol Tenerife, Spain, with flights leaving from Dublin, which costs €810pp and the same trip, but for eight days, costs €794.50pp, €15 cheaper.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach said: “Whenever you’re getting ready to book, don’t just settle for seven-night prices, test for different lengths of stays, you may find a great deal paying only a little extra for a bonus night away.”
Fly out on a Thursday
According to booking geniuses at On the Beach, flying out on a Thursday could result in a holiday bargain too.
Using their data, the booking experts have revealed that, on average, holidays departing Ireland on a Thursday work out the cheapest and holidays departing on a Saturday can work out more expensive.
“Much like playing around with the number of days, also try looking at departure days, according to our research, last year, holidays worked out cheaper departing on a Thursday,” explained Harris.
“This year, that might not be the case, but it’s worth checking if you are flexible with which day you fly.”
Easter is the new summer
Booking to travel during the Easter holidays rather than the Summer holidays could save you up to 40% on average.
On the Beach’s data experts crunched the numbers and found that holidays travelling during the Easter school holidays could result in huge savings, especially for families.
“There has been a growing trend where families are making the Easter holidays their summer holidays. Flights and hotels are less expensive due to less demand and there’s also the chance for more out-of-season weather, resulting in cheaper prices,” said Harris.
“If looking to save then an Easter jolly could be on the cards.”
