Best websites to book your summer holiday
Filed under: Travel, Freebies and Bargains
For the organised among us, now is the time to start planning and booking our summer break. Though the internet is a wonderful resource for booking holidays, it can be a bit of a minefield knowing exactly which websites really do offer the best deals.
Here's my pick of the best out there to help you get started.
Best for flights
Short haul - Kayak - all the prices listed on this site include taxes and fares, and amending your search is really easy - none of that irritating starring all over again. It has 'fare fund history charts' which indicate how much airlines have been charging for a particular flight recently - great for working out the best time to book.
Long Haul - Opodo - these guys have some nifty tools for making your flights cheaper like showing you how much you'll save if you travel at less popular times of the day and the week, and giving you the option to combine two different airlines to make your journey cheaper.
Best for hotels
Hotels.com - this site has consistently great offers from some really luxurious hotels, and right now they're having a 40% off sale.
Lastminute.com - this site constantly has some fantastic holiday offers, and right now you can stay at Hilton hotels anywhere in the world for half-price. They also have a 'top-secret' hotel offer. You can get a discount of as much as 45% if you book through this feature. You'll get a description of the hotel and know its location, but you won't know exactly which one it is until you've booked.
Best for package deals
Lastminute.com - as I've already mentioned these guys come up trumps for all kinds of holidays. Whether you want to see the pyramids, explore a European city or kick back on a tropical island paradise there will be something that takes your fancy here, and all at competitive prices.
Aldi Travel - this site has constantly great deals on all kinds of package holidays, but is particularly good for families with young children who want the more traditional sun, sea and sand holiday. Plus, for peace of mind, if you book through them your holiday will have supplier failure cover - in case any company involved in your holiday goes bust.
Teletext Holidays - simply loads of great deals on ATOL protected package holidays.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-08-2010 @ 11:49AM
Dave said...
Kayak or Opodo? forget them they're FAR FAR too expensive, (visited their sites on a number of occasions) E-BOOKERS.com can GREATLY UNDERCUT them EVERY time
Reply
2-09-2010 @ 8:15AM
Grant MacLeod said...
I've found booking direct with the airline's website tends to be cheaper and cuts out costs, however skyscanner is a brilliant search tool.
Alpharooms or expedia provide great accommodation rates too!
Reply
2-09-2010 @ 10:40AM
Fleur said...
If you are booking your holiday any time soon , Just wanted to tell you ladies about something I got for Xmas . We went away for new yr and I always take up all the luggage space with my shoes , leaving poor hubby with about 10 inches square to get all his belongings in . SO he bought me a pair of these http://www.nooshooz.co.uk . They are shoes that you can change the colour of to match any outfit . He got me 1 pair with 6 different colours . Amazing comfy and really well made . The Suede are to die for .
hhtp://www.nooshooz.co.uk
Reply
2-09-2010 @ 11:25AM
Rhona said...
Snap , I had those for Xmas too . They are in Vogue this month too I notice. I saw them on GMTV and hinted so much to my husband to get them for me . I got the Red Anastasia and the Turquoise Anastasia with 2 uppers with each . But I am hinting for extra ones for Valentines day . I want the Zebra Print . I am taking mine to Egypt in the half term . With all the kids stuff I never get to take all my nice shoes and dresses its either 1 or the other . Now I can take both YIPPPEEEEE
2-09-2010 @ 11:43AM
GARY said...
CANT BELIEVE THIS SO-CALLED TRAVEL EXPERT IS ADVISING PEOPLE TO USE ALDI TRAVEL - HELLO..!!! ALDI TRAVEL STOPPED TAKING BOOKINGS IN JANUARY 2010 BECAUSE THEY WANT TO 'REVIEW' THEIR SERVICE....
ALSO...HOTEL.COM, KAYAK.COM, LASTMINUTE.COM ARE OFTEN NEVER THE CHEAPEST, SO I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW HOW SHE CAN / OR HE, CAN SAY THIS...
IM WITH YOU GUYS ON THIS...THIS PERSON IS ONE OF THE MOST ILL INFORMED IN THE TRAVEL BUSINESS..
I MYSELF COULD DO A FAR BETTER JOB ... I HAVE TRAVELLED EXTENSIVELY FOR THE PAST 22 YEARS AND KNOW SOME CRACKING WAYS ON HOW TO GET A BARGAIN...
IM WITH DAVE AND GRANT ON THIS....YOU CAN GET A LOT CHEAPER ELSEWHERE...
SORRY JO, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE...
DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU START TO WRITE ABOUT THIS STUFF...
AND I BET FOR NAMING KAYAK ETC, THERE'S A LITTLE CONTRA-DEAL GOING ON...
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2-09-2010 @ 12:39PM
Bernice said...
I agree with you, Gary. I consider myself an expert now on finding cheap holidays. If you trawl through a few pages, you are sure to find a better deal than is recommended here.
2-09-2010 @ 12:10PM
Rob Ball said...
Consider ethical aspects, combined with good value. Try www.naturallyconcerned.explorertravel.co.uk
Reply
2-09-2010 @ 12:08PM
julie said...
i agree the sites she promoted are rubbish - but that does not help me find a deal i can afford :-) tips are more than welcome
Reply
2-09-2010 @ 1:46PM
nicky said...
I agree with Grant, skyscanner.net is great for searching airlines and has links their websites. I always book direct with the airline but be careful as the prices change every day!
Reply
2-09-2010 @ 2:23PM
eddie said...
All these Web sites offering cheap Flights and Holidays should go back on the Drawing Board.There are not cheap at all.I get a cheaper Deal from a High Street Travel Agent
Reply