We may not feel it quite yet, but summer is only a few months away.
With it comes the travel season, very busy – and often expensive – for Canadians looking to escape.
Whether you’re heading abroad or opting for a getaway closer to home, travel experts point out that there are plenty of ways to save money while on vacation, without sacrificing fun. Here are some of their recommendations.
Choosing a popular destination… when it’s not
Canadians tend to flock to sunny destinations, like Mexico and the Caribbean, during the March and Christmas holidays, making them more expensive choices for those escaping the cold. But with less demand in July and August, these regions could become more attractive to summer tourists, as prices tend to fall.
“Every time demand is higher, you have less choice. With fewer choices, you risk paying more without getting exactly what you want,” says Amra Durakovic, spokesperson for Flight Center Travel Group Canada.
“Traveling out of season means avoiding crowds and having better options for flights and accommodation.â€
Mexico, in particular, may be quieter than usual in the coming months. Tourism in parts of the country was briefly disrupted in February after violence erupted following the assassination of a major drug cartel leader. Travel expert Barry Choi says some may still be wary, even if flights to Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas resumed a few days later.
“I would say this is probably the best time to visit the west coast of Mexico, or Mexico in general. Security is undoubtedly reinforced. “I’d bet that the resorts are offering significant discounts in Puerto Vallarta because they’ve seen a big drop in occupancy,” he says.
“And a lot of people don’t consider going to Mexico in the summer. They say to themselves: “It’s hot. Why would I want to go to Mexico?â€
Form a group
One of the easiest ways to save money on a trip is to go in a group. Booking in groups can help lower the price per person, particularly for plane tickets, says Durakovic.
But she points out that to see a noticeable difference in price, the group generally needs to have more people than you and a handful of friends.
“While groups usually start at around 10 people, the best savings you’ll get are usually around 20,†she adds.
“It is therefore a very popular option for… weddings, group getaways, reunions.â€
It can also be useful for booking accommodation, Choi says. For example, the cost of a high-end Airbnb can be shared among a group of friends. But he warns that other fees can quickly add up if your group size grows too much.
“Getting your group together is great in theory… but then you realize that when you’re planning for several people, it actually becomes much more difficult,” he analyzes.
“Mentalities diverge. People want to do different things and it may actually cost you more.”
Réserver un circuit
The sticker price of a tourist package – including flights, hotels, transport and even meals – can seem intimidating, says Ms Durakovic.
But she says it’s one of the best ways to spend efficiently, especially compared to travelers who end up deciding to do many of the same activities once there.
“I’m not sure many people consider a tour a great way to save money, but what seems more expensive at first may actually offer better value,†she says.
“It’s not only convenient, it’s also one of the most effective ways to manage not only your budget, but also your time.”
Durakovic adds that booking a tour also eliminates the stress of developing an itinerary yourself, as well as the financial risk of a plan going awry.
“Missed connections, last minute transportation or even choosing the wrong location: these kinds of mistakes add up quickly.â€
Rester flexible
Choosing to fly to your destination even a day later than planned can make a “huge” difference in price, says Durakovic.
This highlights what she considers one of the most important tips no matter where or when you travel: stay flexible.
“One day can make all the difference,” she says.
“Really the best asset a traveler has is being flexible, booking and planning.”
Choi echoes that advice, adding that it’s also possible to find cheaper flights if you’re willing to drive to an airport a little further away than the one closest to home.
For example, residents of Vancouver might find more options in Seattle, while those in Hamilton, Ontario might find better prices in Buffalo or Toronto.
“You’re in a relatively large hub, you’ll probably have to catch a connection anyway, but you have more options, and it can often be cheaper,” he explains.
Beware of scams
It may seem obvious, but Choi says one of the risks of going over budget on vacation is getting caught in scams, tourist traps or other impulse purchases.
“No matter where you go, you need to find out what’s going on there. In any big city you will find people selling items on the street, and they are clearly counterfeits and not worth your money,” he warns.
“There’s always one local scam or another.”
But don’t beat yourself up if you overspend on fun experiences or meals, which is inevitable on any trip, he adds. On the contrary, Mr. Choi’s advice is to try to save money in your daily life before the vacation, so that you can fully enjoy it from the moment you leave.
“Save your money at home, so you won’t have to feel guilty when you spend it traveling,†he concludes.
