How to snare the ultimate short-break deal

If there’s one thing better than an enjoyable escape, it’s knowing you’ve paid less for it than you might have done, thanks to a little strategic thinking.

Although short breaks are often spontaneous, you’d best plan them well ahead if you’re looking for a good deal. Travel is in such demand these days that prices only rise the longer you wait, and last-minute discounts are rare.

Bora Bora – many resorts have deals that allow kids to stay, eat or play for free.Credit: Getty Images

What’s more, holidays organised in a hurry end up costing more. Considered comparisons without immediate time pressure will reward you, and you can lock in travel prices otherwise subject to inflation.

Flights are cheapest if booked at least five months before departure. Cruises ought to be booked at least a year in advance to get either a promotional fare, or extra bonuses such as cabin upgrades and inclusive drinks, Wi-Fi packages or even flights.

An exception to the book-early rule might be hotel rooms, which are moderately cheaper if booked within a week of arrival. Room rates can fall even more within three days of arrival if you can keep your nerve and are flexible about travel times.

Travel off-season if you can, of course. There are however peaks even within peak seasons. For example, car-hire companies never have specials over Christmas and New Year in Australia, but if you wait until after the first week in January, you might see prices come down.

There are peak days too. Flights on Fridays and Saturdays are the most expensive. Domestic fares in Australia spike on Thursdays. Mondays are generally cheapest domestically, although Wednesdays might be best in May, August and September.

Look into one-way tickets with two different airlines, which might be cheaper than a return ticket with one airline. Sunrise flights are cheaper if you can face the alarm clock.

As for car rental, fares can change by the hour. Adjust your pick-up time and you might be pleasantly surprised. Apart from that, you’ll get a better deal from a city-centre office than from an airport one. Investment in a modest taxi fare might result in considerable savings.

Similarly, a hotel just a 10-minute ride out of downtown can be considerably cheaper than the city-centre equivalent. If there are easy public-transport options nearby, why not take advantage?

Shop around. Booking engines don’t always offer the cheapest hotel rates, no matter their claims. In particular, look at rates on the hotels’ own websites, or even give them a call.

Sunday is the cheapest hotel night, followed by Tuesday. Avoid Fridays and Saturdays if you can. Do your maths with the extras hotels may provide, especially when travelling as a family. Many resorts have deals that allow kids to stay, eat or play for free.

Package deals can often be cheaper than booking flight, hotel and car separately, so see if you can bundle them. Similarly, compare tour companies before booking to see which offers the most inclusions before being lured to what looks like the best-value offer.