Once the euphoria of Christmas and New Year has subsided, boredom and depression can quickly creep in. Moods tend to plummet in January, with the 16th set to be Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year.
Booking a holiday has always been a sure-fire remedy, giving us all something to look forward to in the months ahead. But rises in the cost of living coupled with increasing air fares could lead to many forgoing their glimmer of sunshine this summer.
Fortunately, with a bit of clever planning, there are ways to cut costs and keep prices down. Take note of these tips and tricks, and it’s still possible to beat the January blues.
Early birds do best
According to research by aggregate site Expedia, passengers who book their international flights four months or more in advance can save 20 per cent on the price, compared to those who wait two months or less.
Similarly, it’s possible to save an average 30 per cent on domestic airfares if you book at least two months in advance, rather than leaving it to the last minute.
Timing is everything
The day you choose to travel will also have an impact on the price of the airfare. Expedia recommends departing on a Saturday to save up to 20 per cent on domestic flights, and on a Friday to save 15 per cent on international flights.
School holidays will still be expensive, so if you can travel off-peak, there are considerable savings to be made. You’ll avoid delays, too.
Based on data sourced from OAG’s global flight data platform, March has the shortest average length of delays, while July has the highest (around 184 minutes). Flights that depart before 11am are 11 per cent less likely to be impacted by flight cancellations.
Check exchange rates
Currently, many currencies around the world are riding an economic roller-coaster. But it’s worth keeping an eye on the places where your money will go further. Argentina, Sri Lanka and South Africa, for example, are all destinations where the euro remains strong.
If rates are particularly good, it’s worth exchanging money in advance. Prepaid travel cards such as Revolut and Wise allow this, without having to carry wads of cash around. In general, avoid changing money at airports and hotels, as these often have the lowest rates.
Drive costs down
Like flights, the cost of car hire has increased. Jamie Holt, operations director at SIXT, suggests requesting pre-paid fuel, which can save an average of 30 per cent on base rental costs. (SIXT also offers five litres of free fuel to start you off.)
He also strongly recommends probing for any hidden costs. For example, check the included insurance cover. Many companies remove the loss damage waiver to make prices look competitive, but that leaves you fully responsible if something happens to the vehicle. Late pick-ups and returns can also result in unexpected charges. Always ring the rental company and let them know what’s happening to avoid penalties.
Make the most of a hotel stay
It’s easy to do nothing more than sleep in a hotel room. But it’s possible to turn an overnight stay into a mini holiday by taking advantage of everything a property has to offer. Guests can often arrive before check-in or stay longer to make use of facilities.
Many hotels allow visitors to continue using the pool, gym and spa, and early birds will also have a better chance of bagging a free upgrade. It’s also worth asking about any extras included, such as free childcare and babysitting.
