Burg Ehrenfels, Rudesheim, Rhine valley, Hesse, Germany. Photo / Getty Images
Early Bird bookings for a long-haul 2018 holiday can get you bargains and peace of mind, writes Ewan McDonald
If you prefer catching a travel deal over a worm, then don't overlook the Early Bird season. You won't need to get up at sparrow's, but you will need to keep an eye out, do a little research and be prepared.
What is the Early Bird season?
It's when airlines and tour operators release their best-value holiday options for the following Northern Hemisphere summer. For Kiwis, that time of year has traditionally been about long-haul trips to Europe, although it now includes other destinations, such as North America.
The start of the season is open to debate among agents. Although it has always begun later in the year, recent competition in the market means travellers should now look out for deals from mid-year. One thing's for sure, though: it's pretty much all over rover by December.
Why should you care?
Simple. It will save you money that can be spent when you get to your destination while giving you maximum choice in creating the holiday of your dreams.
Tony Laskey, New Zealand's director of marketing and communications for The Travel Corporation — you'll know its brands, like Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Contiki — says: "With more people travelling to Europe each year, if you don't book early, you limit your itinerary and date options.
"Regarding booking last-minute, yes, sure you can. And there are definitely last-minute deals available.
"However, when you're travelling from this side of the world to Europe, the uptake of last-minute deals is relatively low due to most travellers wanting to plan their trip and book time off work, organise house sitters and so on."
House of Travel commercial director Brent Thomas says many of the popular routes and "must-dos" sell out fast and prices tend to increase dramatically last-minute, so it pays to book an Early Bird deal.
"Customers can choose the best route and timings for their holiday without having to give up either one for a good price. By forward planning, Kiwi travellers can rest easy knowing that their holiday is confirmed well in advance.
"Once an Early Bird special is locked in, there's plenty of time to plan, save, and pack for an overseas adventure. Planning ahead also allows an opportunity to keep an eye on foreign exchange rates."
Sean Berenson, Flight Centre New Zealand general manager product, agrees: "Travellers won't need to be concerned about the dollar falling and impacting their budget for hotels, transport and activities when booking Early Bird as they have a guaranteed itinerary."
Early Bird v last-minute
If price is your top priority, and you're prepared to be flexible with dates, flight times and stopovers, aren't bothered about getting a room without a view, and travel alone or with one other, you may want to consider a last-minute bargain.
Be warned: these are generally few and far between and aren't always as cheap as some Early Bird bargains.
You may also need to pay upfront, rather than by instalment, so make sure you can afford it.
If you'd rather not take the gamble with a last-minute deal, and want to be assured you'll see and do all the things you've dreamed about, then Early Bird season is probably for you.
It tends to suit travellers who are part of a group, or a family who want to be seated together on flights, require additional or adjoining hotel rooms, or are looking at longer-term stays at peak times.
Early Bird season is also a great way to secure specific tours and events — such as a cruise to Alaska where there's a limited season, or a cabin with views of the coastline rather than the ocean.
Says Thomas: "River cruises, coach tours and hotels book up well in advance during the peak season in popular destinations. Booking last-minute can often mean missing out on the itinerary that will best fit the selected travel dates."
How do you get a good deal?
Here's where the planning comes in. Laskey suggests you start researching early and know the trip you're looking to book in the lead-up to the season, so that when it's advertised you're ready to go. Well, ready to book.
He says, however, that there's generally little room to negotiate, because every supplier offers their sharpest deals. If you make all your arrangements — such as flights, guided holidays, tours and insurance — through one travel agent, you're more likely to get a deal across everything. Travellers with The Travel Corporation can also score flight credits to make the deal even sweeter.
Talking to, and working with your agent is highly recommended, including registering or signing up to clubs and newsletters so you're first to hear about upcoming deals.
Thomas says it's great when customers come into their stores, bringing their own research, and collaborate with consultants to plan their dream holiday.
"We have access to plenty of additional deals and insider tips and tricks to ensure customers get the most out of their overseas travel."
Where's good in 2018?
For the upcoming season, Laskey says it's the European hotspots that are looking hot.
Due to the strength of the Kiwi dollar, the UK is looking particularly good. Ditto Spain, Italy, Greece, France, the Balkans — especially Croatia, Ireland and Scandinavia.
Berenson says the increase in competition has seen some changes in favoured destinations. The traditional favourites are now vying with more intrepid destinations such as Iceland, which have become more affordable.
He also says a broader selection of hubs for connecting and direct flights means more access to more places.
"Flight Centre has seen Kiwi travellers become increasingly savvy as they take notice of the benefits of entering and exiting Europe and the US via different hubs to avoid hefty airport taxes. This allows them to explore other destinations and gives them more in their pockets to do so."
Don't make the mistake of waiting, though.
"If you see a good deal, make sure you book. Grabbing Early Bird deals as soon as possible to lock in the holiday you're after is vital to ensure you don't miss out."
• We're calling it — Early Bird season starts now. Over the next 10 weeks, Sunday Travel and the New Zealand Herald's Travel magazines will be bringing you the best deals and must-do destinations to help you plan your 2018 Northern Hemisphere summer holiday.
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