A luxury holiday is something we all fantasize about, but for many of us those white sand beaches and sparkling oceans seem out of reach. But dream holidays don’t have to come with nightmare budgets. Clever holiday-makers know how to get five star bargains, and by following their example, you could soon be enjoying the sun-filled Ayia Napa holidays of your dreams – and all for a dream price.
Forget About the Long Haul
The number one tactic of smart travellers is to forget about long haul. Long haul flights are typically expensive, but by choosing a destination within Europe, you can save hundreds of pounds – and you won’t have to shell out anything for vaccinations or visas. Southern Europe, Turkey and Cyprus are easily accessible destinations that offer luxurious holiday experiences. Think intense Mediterranean climate, warm turquoise seas and fabulous fresh cuisine – all on your doorstep. There are some great comparison sites where you can find cheap flights, but remember to book in advance to really make big cash savings!
Travel Out of Season
Travelling out of season is another great tip. August is the most popular month for holidays, but you’ll be sweltering in the heat and sharing your hotel swimming pool with hundreds of families cramming in a break before the kids are back at school. Many destinations are at their best in autumn and spring – for example, in September in Ayia Napa it’s hot enough to sunbathe but you’ll have the whole beach to yourself. April and May are also good times to visit Cyprus and the Southern Mediterranean.
Book a Package Deal
A cheeky way to get a knock-down bargain flight is to book a package deal, but don’t stay at the hotel. Book your accommodation separately in advance. For budget luxury, avoid hotels and look for self-catering villas and apartments where you’ll have the swimming pool all to yourself. By renting directly from the owners, you could nab a beautiful apartment near the beach in Ayia Napa for a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay in a hotel.
If your idea of luxury doesn’t include making your own breakfast, then a little research into independent boutique hotels could be fruitful. Small hotels will generally have off-season sales and the owners will be willing to make a deal. And luxury B&Bs can be just as nice – and sometimes even nicer – than posh hotels.
Once you’ve made the big savings, you might be tempted to splash the cash on fine dining and extravagant cocktails. But if you really want bargain-price luxury, it’s vital to always remember to make a budget and save money on the little things: these little choices will, in turn, make a whole lot of a difference.
I usually book on a package deal every time we plan for a vacation. I also look for good deals ahead of time for the scheduled vacation so that we can adjust our schedule during a promo period.