Don't just get what you paid for. Follow these fresh, expert tips and tricks to getting discounts, perks and upgrades when on holiday.
Book air travel 11 to 12 months in advance: there's always an allocation of heavily-discounted tickets on nearly every flight, suggests Unique Tourism Collection's Emma Gardiner.
Want an upgrade to business class? Don't buy the cheapest ticket, says Tom Hall, Lonely Planet's European travel editor and the author of Lonely Planet's Best Ever Travel Tips. "Not all economy class tickets are the same. If you've paid more to get on the plane in the first place, you'll be more likely to be bumped up."
Solo flyers are more likely to be upgraded. "Check-in staff try to tweak seat assignments as little as possible to fit everyone in and usually won't move couples," explains Hall. Loyalty counts, so join a frequent flyer program. And don't wear trackies to the check-in desk. Obviously.
Despite popular belief, it's not always more expensive to book holidays through a travel agent. In fact, it's sometimes cheaper. Agents' expert advice saves you time trawling the internet for the best deals, and they have contacts.
An agent will secure free upgrades, bonus nights or complimentary breakfasts so you don't have to. "If you're booking a complicated trip, always see a travel agent. They make tiny margins and commissions so if it does cost you more, it's a nominal amount," says Gardiner.
Subscribe to the e-newsletters of travel booking sites for exclusive offers, or register at daily deals sites such as Tripadeal.com.au, which focuses entirely on heavily-discounted holidays.
Travelling with friends? Be sure to book and check-in together, as hotels and tour operators often give discounts to groups of four or more, says Paul McGrath, managing director of Creative Holidays. If you're planning on day tours at different destinations, book with the same company, if possible. "Some providers supply free tours or discounts if you book more than one tour with them," explains McGrath.
Think like a publicist. "Look for very-new boutique hotels that aren't yet established or those that created buzz a year ago," says Lonely Planet's Tom Hall. "New places boast competitive rates when just opened and no-longer-quite-so-hip hotels won't enjoy the same clamour for rooms they once did."
If hotel staff think there's a chance you might bring future business to the hotel, they'll look after you. Don't be afraid to tell them you're planning to return with a group, hold a function there or simply stay regularly for business.
If you book at a luxe Kiwi Collection property and pay with a premium Visa card (the Signature, Infinite or Platinum), you'll be given an automatic free upgrade — availability pending. You'll also score a free continental breakfast and $25 food and beverage voucher.
Couples, take note. Tell hotel reception staff it's your honeymoon or anniversary and you may just get a free room upgrade, free bottle of champers or extra chocolates on your pillow. Or just a hearty congratulations. But it's a worth a try.
If a better room's available, hotel staff will happily upgrade you at a discounted rate. The best time to check in, according to The Huffington Post blogger Amy Chan, is between 4pm and 6pm — by this time reception desk staff can see the cancellations and no-shows of the day. Book a mid-range room: you've no chance of landing the plushest suite if you've booked the cheapest room.
Ask hotel staff if you can have your mini bar emptied, and fill it with drinks and snacks from the 7-Eleven, suggests Joel Brandon Bravo, managing director of Travelzoo.com. Sure beats paying five bucks for a Mars bar.
Indulged in a hotel spa treatment? Ask for samples of the products the therapist used. They'll come in handy for your next trip.
If you're running out of currency towards the end of your trip, avoid paying another exorbitant ATM fee and book a transfer from your hotel to the airport or train station instead of hailing a taxi. "Many hotels will allow you to add the transfer to your room bill, which you can pay with your credit card," says Bravo.
Mix business with pleasure. If you can, schedule a work meeting or two in your destination city and deduct the cost of the airfares and hotel room from your taxable income at tax time. Diarise your appointments and keep the receipts.
What are your best wallet-friendly travel tips? Have any of the above worked for you in the past?
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