Be flexible and book early: Luxury Escapes CEO Adam Schwab’s top tips for a European holiday

When it comes to taking a European holiday, think about travelling later in the year, be flexible with your destinations and plan ahead, says Luxury Escapes CEO Adam Schwab.

Travelling to Europe in June or July inevitably means holidaying with crowds. Picture: AFP

Like most Australians, Luxury Escapes chief executive Adam Schwab agrees that holidaying in Europe can be hot, overcrowded and expensive during the northern summer months of June and July.

“But they are often bound by school holidays and they know that,” the co-founder of the tech-driven travel firm said.

As such, the Melbourne-based Schwab says September and October have become incredibly popular with Australians travelling to Europe, because you can get “great weather and you are getting better hotel rates compared to June and July. Hotels are significantly cheaper and airfares are much better.

“But a lot of people in Melbourne want to leave the cold of Melbourne in June and July so they are prepared to pay whatever it takes,” said Mr Schwab, adding that if people really want to cut costs in Europe they need to be flexible with dates, as well as the European countries they wish to holiday in. And they must book really early.

Luxury Escapes chief executive Adam Schwab.

Travel remains a significant priority for Australians, with 55 per cent planning to book at least one major holiday annually despite economic pressures, according to recent Luxury Escapes research. There’s been a rise in demand of late at Luxury Escapes for upscale yet cost-effective travel experiences that are more accessible, with luxury inclusions and add-ons.

Helping cut costs is Luxury Escapes’ new VIP Travel Club, LuxPlus+, with some members saving thousands of dollars on single bookings once they join. Admission costs $249 a year when booking their next holiday with an eligible LuxPlus+ offer. The scheme is now available in Australia and New Zealand and Schwab is planning a global rollout.

“We have hotels lining up to give incredible deals but only behind the LuxPlus+ membership offer,” he said

“Our target is 50,000 Australian and New Zealand members this year, we are already approaching 10,000 members.”

But for those planning a European trip for 2025, Mr Schwab said start planning in August, September and October.

“Some of the deals we are doing are 30 to 40 per cent off if you book in advance for Greece, Hungary, UK, and we are doing a lot of Morocco. Our best offers have been in places like Greece where we are offering tours including breakfasts and hotels on Santorini for $2000 for five nights, book earlier the better.

“The later you leave it the more you risk paying more.”

London, which has around 1000 hotels, has some of the most expensive room rates in the world and Mr Schwab advises against attempting to book directly with the hotel.

“London hotels have held their rates and that’s partly to do with the cost of living being so high,’’ he said. “If you go direct to the hotel you will pay top rates, rates on our site are pretty reasonable and corporate rates are pretty good. Public rates are high, wholesale rates are good.

“Edinburgh has a lot less hotels and demand for hotels is strong.

“A cruise is the best value holiday you can get, particularly on a Norwegian or MSC Cruise, the pricing you pay for an all inclusive cruise is incredibly low.”