MoneySavingExpert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has shared a savvy travel tip that could help holidaymakers cut costs when visiting expensive destinations. According to a previous blog post, some travellers can save money by booking a hotel they do not actually need.
How the trick works
The experts explain that package holidays sometimes offer better deals than scheduled flights for certain destinations. Travellers can book their flight as part of a package deal, then arrange their own accommodation if they are not keen on the hotel included with the package.
MSE said: "Scheduled flights to some destinations, such as Orlando and Sri Lanka, can be silly money, yet packages there can sometimes come in much cheaper. If you only need the flight, check if there's a cheaper package holiday, then grab it but DON'T stay in the hotel."
The guidance added that Martin has previously used this trick successfully, helping a friend book a holiday to Sri Lanka. The passenger paid £300 for the package covering flights, while the cheapest scheduled deal was over £1,000.
Package holidays often best for traditional trips
In another blog post dedicated to cheap package holidays, MSE reiterated the advice. The experts explained: "If you're going away specifically for seven, 10 or 14 days to a traditional holiday destination, package holidays are often best. They can sometimes be much cheaper than booking a scheduled flight... even if you DON'T want to use the hotel."
For example, MSE found flights for a seven-day trip to Florida at £689 per person, while a package holiday for the same dates was only £662 per person. "It won't always work, but it's worth a try," they added.
Additional tips for finding cheap flights
When checking flight prices, passengers may wish to compare prices on sites such as Skyscanner. Booking on different days could help customers find the best deals. Skyscanner says: "Flight pricing changes constantly based on demand, season and route. There's no fixed 'cheapest day' to book but with the right tools, you can stay informed."
Historically, Skyscanner pricing trends have shown that some airlines release deals late on Mondays, which may lead to lower fares early in the week. Prices tend to rise again as the week progresses and demand increases. Some holidaymakers wait until the last minute for deals. Skyscanner explains: "On quieter routes or off-peak travel days, prices may drop as the departure date approaches. But on popular routes or peak dates, fares often increase as the flight fills up."
