2018 is on the horizon, and for some lucky people this means exciting holiday plans. From sun-drenched beach escapes to adventure soaked Arctic expeditions, here’s our guide to maximising your trip and travelling like a pro in 2018.
Choosing a date
For some people travelling in peak season is a no brainer. But if you like the idea of cheaper flights, discount accommodation and thinner crowds shoulder season can be a clever travel hack. For example, May to October is “green season” in Thailand. Sure, you may experience the occasional afternoon downpour. But chances are you’ll also enjoy plenty of sunshine.
Sidestepping school holidays
School holidays can also get busy, with places like Bali and Hawaii hitting peak demand. The good news is you can unlock big savings simply by travelling during the school term. While families are restricted by the school holidays, retired couples have the luxury of travelling either side of these dates.
Take advantage of agents
Unlike booking independently, agencies are armed with bigtime buying power. This means they can unlock exclusive industry deals from booking engines such as Expedia and Viator, plus other sites which consumers can’t access.
Cherry pick your airline
Your holiday starts at the departure gate, so be sure to book an airline that works for you. For example, Virgin Australia is one of the only local airlines happy to accommodate children’s sleeping devices. Air New Zealand also offers an innovative Economy Skycouch™ option that transforms a row of three seats into a flexible space suitable for families and couples alike. Some airlines offer restaurant standard food, while others place a big focus on inflight comfort. HOT consultants are on hand to give you the scoop on airlines and help you choose a carrier that fits your unique needs.
Get smart about upgrades
Turns out, getting an upgrade on your flight isn’t always about having a lucky day at the airport. With savvy incentives like Air New Zealand’s OneUp™ you can request an upgrade on already booked flights, simply by making a bid.
Book activities and experiences in advance
As well as saving money on early bird fares, booking in advance is a guaranteed way to help you relax and slip into holiday mode. It’s a common misconception tours and activities are cheaper when you arrive at the destination, but this is often not true. For example, if you’re skiing at Whistler you can unlock big savings by purchasing more than seven days in advance. Of course, it’s nice to have freedom and flexibility. But throw a few pre-booked activities into the mix and you’ll thank us later.
Consider cruising
No doubt about it, cruising is 2018’s hottest travel trend. The past year has already seen a huge surge in cruise popularity and predicts that it’ll only get bigger in the New Year. From all-inclusive pricing and exotic itineraries to the sheer joy of visiting multiple destinations and only having to unpack once, there’s so much to love about cruising. No-fly voyages are becoming increasingly sought after, and with some amazing Auckland departures coming up in 2018 it’s never been easier to jump aboard.
Learn the language
Heading to a foreign country? Making an effort to learn the language will wildly enrich your experience. In the lead up to your trip take the time to learn the basics like please, thank you and hello. If you’re a language whiz you can advance with sentences and phrases. Not only will this help you get by, but you’ll also feel a deeper sense of connection to the locals and the destination.
First time visitors
Stepping foot in a destination for the first time is a thrill, but it’s good to have a game plan in place to help maximise your holiday experience. It’s best to get clued up on any cultural differences. Local etiquette can be a minefield so be sure to dive deep into your Lonely Planet guide. Depending on your travel style you may want to slow things down and spend a little more time in each destination. For example, say you’re touring the French countryside. From daily coffee and croissants at your favourite bakery to getting to know the local cheesemonger by name, staying longer will help you to experience a destination through a local lens and savour all the cultural goodies that you can only discover over time.
Go full throttle with a tour
Of course, you may be a whirlwind traveller. In this case tours can be a fantastic way to tick off as many things as possible in a short amount of time.
Insurance
Travel insurance? The answer is a resounding yes. As well as having your back if anything happens overseas, 38% of all claims are made before travellers even leave home. From family emergencies to unexpected health issues, the best way to protect your trip is by purchasing insurance the same you book your holiday.
Ready to make the most of 2018? With these travel hacks you can maximise your experience, stretch your budget and enjoy a holiday for the ages.
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