Holidays Last Minute

Package holidays enjoying a revival as travel agents slash prices in half

This trip is in full revival as travel agents cut prices by almost half to attract customers, an independent survey showed Irish.

Low prices, combined with safety and convenience of a package, are drawing in customers who have organized themselves in the past holidays.

Previously, the growing availability of cheap and had flooded the market led to lower sales of vacation packages. But the lure of hassle-free packages that they are now back in the foreground.

Price drops include seven nights self-catering in Crete at €236 with Panorama holidays, a saving of 52pc from the 2009 price of around €499.

One-week's B&B in a three-star hotel in Turkey was almost €500 two years ago, but is now €273 with Wings Abroad -- a saving of 45pc.

A self-catering week in Cyprus would have cost around €591 per person, but is now 46pc less with Thomas Cook at €316.

All prices are for people travelling on May 28.

Cassidy Travel, which is opening its seventh travel shop in Liffey Valley, Co Dublin , this week, said package-holiday sales were on the increase.

"While weekend travel has dropped off, there seems to be a slow return to the one-week holiday and a return to booking with a travel agent and tour operator," director John Spollen said.

Deals

"You will get last-minute deals . . . for between €199 to €299 per person for a one-week holiday to include flights transfers and accommodation."

David Walsh, of Joe Walsh Tours, said the key to success is being flexible.

"We are not afraid to diversify and as a result are able to consistently offer our customers a wide range of holiday options . . . at the very best price."

Current specials include a three-night city break in Nice for €306 per person and €248 for two nights in Jersey -- both offers are for three-star hotels and include bed and breakfast.

Meanwhile, many families are waiting until the last minute to book a holiday in the hopes of bagging a bargain.

"Package holidays, this year in particular because money is so tight, are seeing a trend where people are now booking holidays two or three days in advance," Pat Dawson, president of the Irish Travel Agents Association said.

"This is an excellent way to save money as the nearer you get to the date of travel the cheaper it is."

However, Liam Lonergan, managing director of Budget Travel warned people's expectations of prices were unrealistic for peak times.

Book your Budget Holidays with Cheap Package Holidays deals Online ...

Book your Budget Holidays with Cheap Package Holidays deals Online

For the budget travellers and family travellers, cheap package holidays offer a wonderful opportunity to treat themselves with the finest travel experiences. From wonderful city breaks to full fledged exotic holidays, these holiday packages come in all sizes and shapes. In most cases, the cheap package holidays include off-season travel deals. That is, you visit a city or country while it is not ‘the’ season. In addition to lower cost of travelling to the places, the cheap holidays also give you an option to explore the country while not having to deal with a maddening crowd of tourists.

Another chance of cheap package holidays includes last minute travel deals. Such deals may come because of cancellations by travellers or by inability of travel agents to sell out the holidays. Whatever the case, you can get a fully planned holiday experience – even while booking the package the latest minute possible. The travel operators have chartered the tour in detail. They now find themselves in a position to sell more packages. They may take a loss by offering last minute discounts. They may also charge the original bookers up to 50% of the costs. Thus, the cheap package holidays may not be that much of a loss maker for the travel operator.

The cheap package holidays will have everything you need for the trip. The all inclusive packages are in most cases a big bargain, as you get everything you need carefully planned for. They have planned the trip well in advance. However, something happened in the last minute and the fruit of the elaborate planning is for you to enjoy – in the form of advance booked hotels or resorts, sightseeing tours, time at a sauna, leisurely wandering at a beach and possibly even more. Last minute travel deals for persons or families ready to set out at a very short notice – usually in less than a week. If that is not possible, you can also opt for cheap package holidays designed for the off-season travellers.

Explore the ski holidays, beach holidays, hill station holidays or exotic holidays on sale. Travelling on cheap is now easier than ever with travel operators tipping you last minute holiday deals and availability of cheap package holidays. It may take a little bit of research and patient waiting for a few days or a few weeks before you can pack bag and baggage, for your exotic holidays in anywhere from Alpine heights to Las Vegas city breaks.

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