Tips and tricks

There are plenty of sites showcasing accommodation, sights and tours. All I can recommend is that you do some research to create the holiday or journey that suits you. I spent 10 years in the travel industry in the 90s so perhaps I am a bit more confident organising all of our travel online, and if you are brave enough, there are loads of platforms out there to book everything yourself. There can be risks doing it yourself and you might like the security of have an agent book for you – someone to do the hard work of research and fixing things when things get changed, or cancelled or it all just goes pear-shaped.

I have my favourite sites and use the following regularly. If you feel confident, explore these options or use these sites to do your research and take the information to your favourite travel agent. However you do it, look after your plans and keep it organised! Travelling is fun but planning takes time and can be hard work – holidays should be fun, so travel your way and go into it with a sense of adventure and a bucket load of patience xx.

This is my go to site for flights and sometimes I’ll use it to research accommodation if I just need one or two nights for a layover. This platform researches other sites, including airlines to find the best deals. Be wary of ‘extras’ such as luggage. A great airfare can end up being a dud once you add carry on and checked baggage.

I have also used this site to explore car hire options, but it’s not my favourite for finding cars.

Super tip – clear your cookies regularly as I have found that searches are ‘remembered’ and I have found that better deals are sometimes available once I clear my cookies.

I usually find accommodation prices and options are really good here and use the filter to search for location, facilities, prices and quality. I usually go for properties that rate at least an 8 for reviews. There are often free cancellation policies, so you can book if you find a great deal without being locked in. And read the reviews from the past two or three months. There are often useful nuggets of information that can make or break a deal.

I also use Booking.com sometimes to book flights, or at least check the deals. Whatever algorithm they use, it can be easier to see what luggage policies apply as a lot of great flight deals are not so great once you add all the extras. Personally, I don’t see luggage as an extra, more of an essential, but then, I like wearing clean clothes.

Another useful Booking.com feature I use a lot is booking transfers to and from airports. When I compare prices by googling taxi fares, these transfers are usually comparable in value, and often cheaper! There is also the added advantage of having something ready when you arrive, avoiding the hassle of finding taxis or bus transfers. It is still more expensive than using the local public transport systems, but for us, the advantage of being dropped at our accommodation, especially after sometimes awful flights times, is worth the cost.

If we are staying somewhere longer term, Airbnbs can offer a more personal, authentic experience. Properties are often offered on more than one platform and it can be worth comparing as prices do vary. Cancellation conditions often apply almost immediately, so you do need to be more certain of your travel plans. Read the facilities list carefully – sometimes towels and sheets are not included, or there may be an extra charge for utilities.

Always scan the reviews. It’s better to know what you are walking into if you decide to book anyway, even if there are some identified downsides. Unless you’re paying big bucks, everywhere will have pros and cons.

I always try to book properties that have free cancellation – usually a month before arrival – which has been essential as we have had to make changes due to unavoidable circumstances.

I’ve just discovered Viator and have only used them a few times, but so far, it has been great. They offer a platform for tours, day trips, transfers and transport options. They have a great cancellation policy – up to 24 hours prior in most cases – so you can secure a booking but retain flexibility.

Offering similar services to Viator it can be useful to compare prices and availability with Viator, although both sites use the same operators in a lot of cases.

This is a useful platform for finding long distance buses and trains. We usually book ground transport a few days ahead when we arrive in the city, but during peak times, buses especially, can be fully booked, so being able to book in advance is useful. There are often booking fees, but it beats walking.