As you may have already realized, airfares, hotel accommodations, and almost everything else in the world of travel have significantly gone up in the past 18 months. And while this trend is set to continue until we see a more stabilized world, prices will likely remain elevated in the next 12 months. However, there are still ways to save and get more bang for your buck. So here are some tips for you to consider if you are planning your next dream holiday…

1. Buy early – These days, it really pays to book your holidays in advance. And I mean, as early as possible, i.e., 6 to 9 months in advance, at least, as airlines, hotels, tour companies, and cruise lines often have offers in place to encourage early bookings. So, the earlier you book, the more you save, especially on that big holiday for the family. On the flip side, the later you book, the more expensive it becomes. This is now the law of the travel jungle.
2. Consider a Tour – tours are a very efficient way for anyone to see and experience a destination. This is simply because almost every essential component of your holiday, i.e., accommodation, sightseeing, entrance fees to some attractions, point-to-point transportation, and meals, everything mentioned here has been negotiated due to bulk purchases by Tour Operators. With these essentials included the majority of the cost for your holiday is also upfront. Also, you don’t have the hassle of figuring out how to get from one place to another, getting lost, checking-in hotels, queueing up for attractions, etc. As the saying goes, Time is Money, and this is especially more evident when on a holiday.
3. Convert your credit card points to miles – with more credit card companies extending privileges to their card members, it makes sense to convert the earned points that you have used on your credit card to travel miles. Besides air tickets, some banks offer a range of travel options up for redemption, which include tours, cruises, hotel accommodations, and the liking. I have personally seen my friends convert their points for air tickets for the entire family…on business class! So perhaps it’s about time to relook at those rewards programs again. Imagine how much you’ll save.
4. Invest in Travel Insurance –  While it may appear contradictory at first, investing in travel insurance can be a wise financial move in the long haul. This beneficial coverage safeguards against unforeseen incidents that may otherwise result in significant financial losses. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind by protecting you against unforeseen cancellations and airline issues, as well as medical crises abroad. With these protections in place, you may travel with assurance, knowing that your hard-earned money is shielded from any potential risks.
5. Apply for your annual leave early and then plan everything else – easier said than done, especially as we often dedicate a lot of ourselves to our careers. However, it is now imperative that we do so and have that word with your boss about your intended well-deserved break. The earlier you put this to bed and approved, the earlier you can start planning for that very exciting holiday.