How you can have five holidays this year

THE stats are in, one in 20 Aussies are taking at least five holidays a year. Five we hear you ask? Here’s how you can do it too.

ARE you back at work already dreaming of your next trip? According to recent research from Roy Morgan nearly one million Australians went on at least five holidays last year. Five we hear you ask? So how did these lucky few do it?

The findings show that these travellers tend to be empty nesters who don’t have the financial stress of mortgages, jobs and kids, but can anyone afford the luxury of more than one trip a year?

Yes, according to Adam Schwab, the CEO of LuxuryEscapes.com, a travel site specialising in affordable five star travel.

“If you do your research, jump online and plan ahead, you can get super luxury accommodation for a lot less money than you think,” he said.

Here are Schwab’s insider tips on how to afford to holiday more often.

Chase the fare, not the destination

You might really, really, really want to go to Hawaii, but so does everyone else, so that offer for a great airfare or an affordable amazing luxury hotel stay might never turn up.

“Broaden your horizon and be open to where a great fare might take you. By chasing great fares you will be able to travel more often and more comfortably, and you’re exploring parts of Australia or the world you never even considered travelling to,” Schwab said.

Sure Hawaii is a dream destination, but you’re not the only one trying to go there.

Do it yourself

By cutting out the middle man you can save heaps of money, so become your own travel agent. But be prepared to spend time researching before booking that dream holiday.

“Research, research and then research some more. Make sure to read the fine print of any hotel or holiday deal, especially the valid dates and inclusion conditions.

“Take the time to check reviews of the hotels, and look them up on a map and check their distance from the CBD or beach, as well as public transport options. You don’t want to end up spending your entire holiday budget on taxis,” Schwab said.

You don’t want to be jumping in cabs to reach the action.

Stick to cheap countries

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that a holiday to Switzerland, Norway or Bermuda will be a serious hit to your budget.

“Research the cost of living in the country where you’re planning to travel to. You might be able to get a decent holiday package to New Caledonia, but wining and dining can be very expensive there. Vietnam or Thailand on the other hand are still fairly cheap, so I would suggest going there while you can,” he said.

South East Asian countries like Vietnam are still relatively cheap.

Get as many inclusions as possible

It’s not just about getting cheap flights and hotel stays, try and get a great package holiday with plenty of inclusions.

“We include things such as breakfasts, transfers, meals, drinks, Kid’s Clubs and even spa treatments in our packages because our customers said that’s what they wanted,” Schwab said.

Travel off season

“If you can, travel off season and bear in mind that peak periods vary overseas. Look for great deals in Thailand in June and July, Bali in November and early December or Croatia and the Greek island in May or September,” Schwab said.

Croatia is just as beautiful and more enjoyable in the off season.

Get notified

The best way to get great prices on flights is to keep an eye out for specials.

“Get the offers to come to you by subscribing to all the airlines’ newsletters,” Schwab said.

Also, if you want to increase your odds for getting a flight upgrade, he says the trick is to earn status credits as opposed to frequent flyer points.

Qantas has five levels of status (bronze, silver, gold, platinum and platinum one) and you get status credits every time you fly.

“The higher the status, the more chance you’ll get upgraded — platinum and platinum one members have a reasonable chance of an upgrade,” Schwab said.

Become a regular

Airline frequent flyer schemes, or even Qantas Club (which gives lounge access), make your stay at the airport a lot more enjoyable. If you fly a lot, also consider Priority Pass, which gives you access to lounges across the world for an annual or per use fee.

Qantas has just opened its new lounge in Los Angeles. Picture: Pawle Fred

Save on insurance

Unfortunate incidents can make your travel bill skyrocket, so travel insurance is a must — especially if you plan on travelling five times a year.

“Travel insurance policies can vary a lot in price — it’s definitely worth checking online as there are less middlemen and usually better prices. Get an annual policy if you’re a frequent traveller, and make sure you get the right cover. There are policies more suited to risky activities such as skiing and scuba diving, so make sure to read what the cover includes,” Schwab advised.