Planning a holiday can be stressful, especially when it’s a last-minute Christmas getaway or trying to snag the best seat on a packed flight.
Whether you’re looking for a winter escape or just want to know the perfect time to book your next adventure, it’s vital to understand which tried-and-true strategies will help you travel smarter and stretch your budget further.
Luckily, the experts at SkyParkSecure have teamed up with Matt Phillips, travel expert at Polarsteps. He’s revealed everything from the secrets to securing prime seats on the plane to saving big on flights and hotels. You can soon take the hassle out of holiday travel and make the most of your trip.
1. Be flexible with last minute Christmas getaways
When booking a last-minute Christmas getaway, flexibility is key. According to Matt, the first tip is to be open to any destination. “Various flight search engines, such as Skyscanner, let you ‘Explore everywhere’ in a given timeframe,” he says. This feature helps travellers find destinations with the lowest flight prices, which may lead to unexpected and affordable holiday options. Another great strategy for saving on airfare is to travel on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, as “flying on these days often results in lower airfares.”
Matt also suggests considering less popular holiday spots. “Why not consider going somewhere where you can unwind and reconnect in nature during Christmas?” For example, the Azores offer beautiful landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, far from the crowded tourist destinations.
2. Leave the middle seat free for more space
For those looking to secure the best seat on a plane, a clever tip involves strategic seat selection. “If you’re travelling with a partner or friend, a hack is to book the aisle and window seat of a three-seater row in the back of the plane,” suggests Matt. Since the middle seat is often the last to be taken, you may end up with the whole row to yourselves. However, he notes that this hack only works on flights that aren’t fully booked.
3. Don’t overpack for winter sun holidays
When travelling to winter sun destinations, overpacking is a common mistake. Many travellers feel the need to bring too much, but as Matt points out, “You don’t need more than a few outfits, and if you forget something like sunscreen, you can buy it at your destination.” Another key tip is to pack for chilly nights, as temperatures can drop unexpectedly even in sunny locales. “A warm sweater or down jacket is a smart addition to your packing list.”
4. Avoid bulkhead seats to fall asleep on long-haul flights
Long-haul flights can be daunting, but there are ways to improve your chances of getting rest on board. Avoid alcohol, even if it’s free, as “it won’t help you sleep better.” Instead, Matt suggests bringing noise-cancelling headphones to block out cabin noise and steer clear of bulkhead seats, where airlines tend to seat families with babies.
5. Avoid central accommodations to save money
When it comes to saving money on travel, flexibility is a huge advantage. “Being flexible with dates, destinations, and travelling in the off-season will help immensely,” Matt shares. Additionally, comparing flights across different airports and considering fewer central accommodations, like a farmhouse just outside a major city, can lead to significant savings. It normally doesn’t cost much to use local transport to visit the city.
6. Book 10-12 months in advance for the best travel deals
For those wondering when to book for the best travel deals, Matt advises booking as far in advance as possible, ideally 10-12 months. However, “it’s always wise to keep an eye on deals during the shoulder season, and studies show that international flights are often cheapest between 50 and 179 days before travel.”
7. Annual travel insurance doesn’t always mean all year round
One of the biggest mistakes travellers make according to Matt is misunderstanding their travel insurance coverage. “Many travel insurances don’t automatically cover extreme sports like skiing or scuba diving,” so it’s essential to ensure these activities are included before your trip. Furthermore, some travellers incorrectly assume that annual travel insurance covers them for the entire year. In reality, “many policies only cover individual trips up to 30-45 days long,” so it’s important to check the terms, especially if your trip exceeds this duration.
8. Internal flight luggage allowance
Overpacking and luggage restrictions can lead to trouble for many travellers. “People always pack way more than they need,” says Matt, recommending travellers check airline size regulations and opt for smaller bags to avoid overpacking. It’s also essential to think beyond your international flight—domestic flights in your destination country may have stricter baggage allowances. “For example, internal flights in Kenya and Botswana only allow 12-15kg,” the expert warns, so planning is crucial.
