The most wonderful time of the year can cause a lot of stress beforehand. From catalogs to the Internet: The choice is huge and often confusing. But: where do I not pay too much, where should I book my vacation, how can I travel cheaply? You don't want to be annoyed later, you want to be happy.
When do you get an early booking discount?
Usually until the beginning of April, but there are various models: some tour operators offer particularly cheap vacations in January and then reduce their discounts in later months. Others offer a general discount up to 100 days before departure.
Is it really cheaper to travel online?
By law, tour operators must offer their holidays at the same price everywhere, so they cannot be cheaper online than in travel agencies. Discounts can only be given by the internet portals themselves. Caution: This usually takes the form of travel vouchers that can only be redeemed on the next trip, for example.
Are Groupon and discount travel deals worthwhile?
Don't be fooled by the low price. The trips are often only available at times when demand is low. Such offers are also available at travel agencies, they are just not advertised as prominently. It is therefore worth comparing prices before you book a cheap vacation.
Which destinations are cheaper in summer?
Long-distance destinations such as Thailand or the Caribbean - check beforehand whether it is the rainy season or hot there. Because nobody wants to go sightseeing at 30 degrees, city breaks are often very affordable.
Is last minute always a vacation bargain?
If you are flexible in terms of destination and departure airport, you can take advantage of such offers. But beware: they are not automatically cheaper, they just offer the opportunity to travel quickly. Outside the vacation season, the last-minute offers are greater.
Will it be cheaper if I book individually?
There is no general rule: sometimes you can book a vacation individually at a low price, sometimes it is much more expensive. But package tours have one big advantage: you are covered if something goes wrong, for example if the hotel goes bankrupt or the flight is delayed. The organizer then has to provide a replacement hotel, for example. And package tours can now also be arranged very individually.
Risk of terrorism: what do I need to bear in mind?
There is currently no travel warning for any popular travel destination. And the border area between Syria and Turkey is also far away from the tourist centers. If in doubt, check the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
Book a cheap vacation: 5 clever travel destinations
What is not so popular at the moment costs less. And the season often plays a major role in pricing.
Greece: Attracts visitors with special offers due to the financial crisis.
Spain: Has a cheap destination all year round with the Costa Brava.
Bulgaria: The golden beach is popular with party-loving thrifty types.
Canary Islands: The islands are quiet and affordable in late fall.
Turkey round trip and beach vacations: Available from fall at a bargain price.