Get set for a break

You can still get a good deal on a holiday trip, writes Sophie Elsworth

CHRISTMAS is just 11 weeks away and holidaymakers are being urged to get their travel in order before they are hit by higher prices.

While flight and accommodation prices hit premium levels around the Christmas and New Year period, low-cost carrier Tigerair’s spokeswoman Vanessa Regan has urged travellers to book their airfares sooner rather than later to avoid being stung byhigher prices if they leave it to the last minute.

“The lowest fares are always the first to be sold and that’s why we encourage customers to book as early as possible to secure the best value airfare and to avoid disappointment,’’ she said.

“Fares increase generally, as demand increases, closer into the travel date.”

Ms Regan said ways to avoid being hit by higher airfares include booking off-peak and also mid-week.

“You might also find the earliest or the latest flights in the day are less expensive, again, due to less demand to travel at these times,’’ Ms Regan said.

Travellers should also sign up to airlines’ free email alerts of sales and also follow their social media accounts to ensure they are notified when cheaper deals are rolled out.

There’s no denying Australians are addicted to travelling too – latest Tourism Research Australian statistics showed for the year ending June 2017 they spent $122.9 billion in the tourism sector – an increase of 6 per cent or $6.9 billion on the previous year.

No-frills airline Jetstar said more than 24 million passengers flew for under $100 as jetsetters took advantage of sales. Jetstar chief commercial officer Catriona Larritt said there are simple ways travellers can snare cheaper deals, particularly during peak travel periods. “The best way to get the lowest fare is to book early when there are the most seats available,’’ Ms Larritt said.

“We have regular sales and always make sure we have heaps of seats on offer, but some routes are incredibly popular.

“International low fares to Hawaii, Bali and Thailand tend to get snapped up first and the Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Cairns are popular domestic holiday spots.”

She also suggests trying to pack light to avoid extra baggage costs and look to use Jetstar’s Price Beat Guarantee –if you find a cheaper airline offering the same route and the flight leaves at a comparable time Jetstar will match it and beat it by 10 per cent.