How to get the best holiday deals

TRAVEL agents, Lonely Planet and deal specialists give us their insider tips on how to save money when booking your next escape.

You could be here: St Regis Resort, Bora Bora. Picture: Supplied

WITH so many choices when it comes to searching for the best holiday deal, it's easy to become overwhelmed.

So we asked travel agents, Lonely Planet and deal specialists to give us their insider tips on how to save money when booking your next escape.

BE YOUR OWN TRAVEL AGENT
Get online and plan your next holiday yourself. Sites like Wotif.com.au, Lastminute.com.au, Wego, Expedia and Travel.com.au allow you to compare the different holiday deals in one window, giving you the best tool to save the most money.

Ensure there is a customer service line you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, just in case anything goes wrong, or you decide you'd like to book over the phone instead.
- Megan Magill, Wotif Brands General Manager

WATCH OUT FOR SHOULDERS
The 'shoulder season' is the period in between a destination's low and high seasons. The shoulder season is one of the best travel seasons because not only will you save on airfares - popular destinations will not be flooded with tourists and therefore 'tourist rates' will not apply. Traveling during off-peak seasons is also a cheaper way to travel.
- Lisa Ferrari, travel.com.au's General Brand Manager

GET CHEAP FLIGHTS
Try and remain as flexible as possible with your travel dates, as prices always fluctuate depending on day and time of the week. It's always cheaper to fly mid-week than on a weekend, and it's cheaper to fly out after major holidays than before.

You could also try flying to secondary airports with low cost carriers, or flying alternative routes to cut costs. And don't be sceptical about the benefits of a frequent flyer program - it could save you heaps.
- Nomadic Matt, travel blogger

NEVER HURTS TO ASK
If you're booking direct with the hotel, ask them if they will include breakfast. Other things you can request include early check-in and late check-out, free parking and even a room upgrade. You never know what you might get by smiling and asking nicely. (But don't demand it if you're politely declined.) You'll have better luck doing these on weekdays and during low-seasons.
- Shawn Low, Lonely Planet's Asia-Pacific Travel Editor

CONSIDER PACKAGE DEALS
When considering package deals, the best time to book is two to three months prior to departure. If you are heading away during peak season (like during school holidays) to a popular destination, get in early and nab a packaged bargain to save disappointment and avoid premium prices.

Booking early can also reward travellers, as some wholesalers will throw in more bonus inclusions than if you leave your booking to the last minute. Search travel sites high and low for special deal offers where all best holiday and flight deals are showcased.
 - Lisa Ferrari

MAKE SURE YOU CARRY-ON
You can fit a lot into a carry-on suitcase. You will pay extra and wait ages for checking-in and picking-up luggage if you use a standard suitcase. If you pack smart and do your own laundry, this is an easy way to save money - and you'll look completely cool (and be at the head of the taxi queue) as you saunter past people frustrated by the slow arrival of their suitcases upon arrival.

Not advisable if you are on a long journey of course.
- Shawn Low

GO AGAINST THE GRAIN
Follow the crowds to the beach at peak holiday times and you will wait in the longest queues and pay top dollar for airfares and accommodation. But over the same period, you can get a great rate on a CBD hotel and take advantage of their swimming pools, gyms and spas.

If you are flexible on the destination, just go where the deals take you. If saving money is your priority, avoid the really popular destinations at the time you want  to travel - so, if everyone's flocking to Europe, go to South America or Africa, because often these other countries that aren't heavily marketing themselves have deals to counter their competition.
- Lyn Tan, Harvey World Travel / Megan Magill

KEEP THE FAMILY IN MIND
Serviced apartments are often a good accommodation option for families as they can not only offer more space, but are usually cheaper than hotels. Plus, because serviced apartments have fully installed kitchens, the option to eat within the apartment saves you money too.

Make sure you check out the complimentary facilities available at your chosen property as well - free use of tennis courts, swimming pools and playgrounds will keep everyone amused and entertainment costs to a minimum.
- Megan Magill

PLAN YOUR PARKING
If you're travelling interstate or overseas and know you'll need long-term airport parking while you're away, make sure you reserve yourself a spot ahead of time so you're guaranteed a space. Look for parking lots outside of the airport - often it's cheaper, and they provide a free shuttle service to get you from your car to the airport.
- Travel website independenttraveller.com

CONSIDER YOUR CURRENCY
The Australian dollar is particularly strong against the US and NZ dollar, for example. If you are not sure where to go, consider destinations to places where your currency goes a longer way. For example, the Australian dollar is over 20 per cent stronger than the Kiwi equivalent.
- Shawn Low

YOUR SAY: What's your best money-saving holiday tips. Leave comments below.

Quick savings: Best 2011 earlybird deals

Save: Hot Holiday Deals