As we emerge from a year of Covid restrictions and cancelled trips, when planning an overseas holiday is more than a dream, traditional dollar savings will continue to tempt travellers to book resort holidays, hotels, tours and cruises. Words by Mercedes Maguire.
As we emerge from a year of Covid restrictions and cancelled trips, when planning an overseas holiday is more than a dream, traditional dollar savings will continue to tempt travellers to book resort holidays, hotels, tours and cruises.
But money’s not the only thing that talks in the post-Covid travel world. The new currency is flexibility – experts say it will be as good as cash in the pocket for Aussies on the move this year. Confidence-building free cancellation provisions and the ability to change bookings with ease are considered the must-have conditions for an attractive travel deal. Without the flexibility to cancel and change plans for free, many potential travellers will hesitate to book regardless of price.
“It’s no longer about the best deal or cheapest rates; the priority now lies in flexible options,” Expedia Australia director, Alex Ozdowski, says. “In Expedia’s latest Vacation Deprivation report, 30 per cent of Aussies state they will only book travel that is fully refundable.”We’re getting more for our money, too. FlightCentre’s James Kavanagh says hotels and resorts – particularly in capital cities – will offer more value-added bonuses than ever this year.“There will be a lot of negotiated bonus offers to stimulate demand,” Kavanagh says.
“Hotels and resorts in particular, will want to get customers in and then get them to stay on site with free cocktails, complimentary transfers, spa vouchers, and kids-eat-free specials.”
That’s not to say there aren’t savings to be had – Kavanagh says there are great early-bird deals for cruising in 2022 and 2023 and for international destinations well into next year.
Today’s round-up of the best deals in the market right now found a $3480 discount on a 13-day Antarctica expedition, a 63 per cent saving on a three-night couple’s getaway to Palm Cove and $1300 off a 10-night cruise of the Kimberley in Western Australia. Don’t delay. When we can really travel freely again, demand will soar and deals like this won’t exist.
Explore the best deals here:
5 animal experiences worth travelling for
5 holiday deals to transport you to the seaside
5 weekends away you’ll want to book ASAP
5 holiday deals for foodies and wine lovers
5 luxurious Aussie holiday deals to treat yourself
5 holiday deals the family will love
5 cultural experiences that belong on every traveller’s bucket list
Comments
Join the conversation
Log in Register