Kiwis already planning next getaway

Fancy a cruise for just $1 deposit or return flights to Europe for $1400?

As Kiwis reluctantly return to their desks after the summer break, inboxes are overflowing with holiday offers, and every second ad seems to be offering a dream island getaway.

But are they actually good deals or just taking advantage of the back-to-work blues?

A bit of both, according to industry players. Travel firms target customers in January, knowing that the new year spirit of adventure will require something to look forward to, but the fares offered are often the second wave of ‘earlybird’ deals and are specially planned for January bookings.

‘‘The airlines and tour companies, and hotels, everyone, is very aware that this is a time that people like to book so they really do roll out some good offers,’’ Flight Centre’s product general manager Sean Berenson said.

‘‘It’s statistically proven [in some US studies] that the most common conversation on holiday is about where your next one will be.

‘‘People get away over Christmas and chat about what their next holiday is.’’

Berenson said bookings rise ‘‘incredibly’’ in January, with February also showing a strong lift.

‘‘It’s an interesting mix of business that comes in. A lot of customers look at long-haul [America and Europe] for July, August and September because they want to get away in the winter. Having said that, there’s also a lot of Gold Coast and Island trips booked for school holidays.’’

Fares have been driven down by competition, given about 30 international airlines now flying to and from New Zealand.

‘‘The reality is, October and November is a good time to buy – especially for the US and Europe – for earlybird fares. But then there’s a second wave now as airlines re-evaluate the amount of stock they have left.’’

Some airlines – Emirates, for example, with its Hello 2017 packages – even label the special fares to appeal to returned workers.

‘‘Emirates likes to welcome in each new year with a special treat for travellers and this year’s offering is no exception,’’ Emirates’ New Zealand regional manager, Chris Lethbridge said.

‘‘In all, we have special fares to more than 80 destinations, including the most popular places on our network.’’

There are a few potential traps for wouldbe travellers to watch out for, though.

Consumer NZ’s travel guide warns wouldbe holidaymakers to be aware of extra fees (for the likes of bags, seat selection, travel insurance) and of booking fees that may apply.

‘‘Be aware that great price you saw advertised may not be guaranteed until your ticket is issued,’’ Consumer warns. ‘‘Thirdparty booking sites may have clauses in their terms and conditions that state prices are subject to availability of seats.’’

So if you have only paid a deposit, you may have to stump up for a higher fare later on. This won’t be the case if you book through a travel agent as they can lock deals in or at least let you know what you have signed up for.

One-way offers should also be treated with caution, Consumer said, as the ticket home may end up making the whole trip more expensive than a standard fare.