“Great deals are available either really far out, when hotels are looking to build some business, or they are sold very last-minute as \u2018distressed\u2019 inventory (which means the hotel needs to sell, sell, sell!).”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Just remember that for a really great last-minute deal, you\u2019ll probably need to be flexible. You\u2019ll usually find the best bargains when and where there\u2019s extra rooms left over \u2013 for example, on less popular nights or during a destination\u2019s quiet season.<\/p>\n
Quiet season also means a better chance of getting the beach all to yourself… \ud83d\ude0e<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/div>\nHow to find a great deal<\/h3>\n
No matter when you\u2019re booking, there are some easy-peasy tricks that\u2019ll help you find top travel deals. Sarah Ray, Queenstown Accommodation Manager<\/strong>, says…<\/p>\n
\u201cAlways sign into travel booking sites to unlock deeper discounts on hotels. These logins are generally available at no cost and are more and more common these days. And be sure to check the rates on your mobile to see if there is a mobile-exclusive deal.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Secret deals? Sign us up! Wotif\u2019s hidden deals are called Mates Rates and you can find them anytime by logging into your Wotif account or using the Wotif app (available for iPhone<\/a> and Android<\/a>. If you don\u2019t have an account, you can create one here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Of course, nothing beats a good ol\u2019 bargain hunt. Brand Manager Bec Hurley<\/strong> says…<\/p>\n
\u201cI find being flexible on dates can help you get the best deal. If you aren\u2019t locked to a date, you can hunt around for the time that offers the best deal (as long as the weather is not too horrific).\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Sometimes you don\u2019t even need to search for bargains. Marketing Analyst Archina Turner-Mobbs<\/strong> reckons you should let the deals come to you.<\/p>\n
\u201cSign up for travel newsletters\/emails. Great deals are sent out regularly, and you can often find inspiration for your next holiday as well.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Psst! You can sign up for Wotif emails here<\/a><\/p>\n
Holiday inspo, straight to your inbox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/div>\nPick seats strategically<\/h3>\n
Sometimes it\u2019s less about saving money than getting an even better deal. Customer Experience Manager Lauren Ogilvie<\/strong> has a clever hack for comfy flights.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen booking a flight, my partner and I will pick a window seat and an aisle seat in the hopes of getting three seats for the price of two. Most people try to avoid middle seats, so they\u2019re often left vacant when flights aren\u2019t full. It doesn\u2019t always work, but it’s worth a try! And because most people don’t like the middle seat, if someone does end up between you and your partner, they’re usually happy to swap for a window or aisle seat so you can still sit together.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The right stay<\/h3>\n
Choosing the right type of accommodation will make your trip extra awesome \u2013 and can save you some dosh too. eCommerce Manager Kate Sutton<\/strong> has a tip for family and group getaways.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen travelling in a group, try to book larger-style apartments, like 2 or 3 bedrooms, rather than separate hotel rooms. They are generally very spacious, with great kitchens and separate dining and lounge rooms, so you will have plenty of space to chill, but at a great price that you can split with your travel buddies!\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Brand Manager Bec Hurley\u00a0<\/strong>says it\u2019s all about knowing your priorities.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt really helps to know what you are willing to splurge on and what you are willing to save on. If you are a massive foodie, book cheap accommodation close to great places to eat. Want to feel like you are staying in the lap of luxury? Splurge on the accommodation, but BYO brekky (or make sure to book a place where you can cook).\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Saving on your stay means you can splurge on your food<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/div>\nThe smart way to pay<\/h3>\n
Yep, your payment method can save you money too \u2013 or at least help you manage your pre-holiday expenses. Special Projects Manager Jay Marquardt<\/strong> gets strategic.<\/p>\n
\u201cMake the most of the Pay Now or Pay Later option. Either save some extra dollars by paying in advance, or pay later and invest that money in something you need now\u2026 like new sunnies and swimmers <\/em>\ud83d\ude0a.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Do your research<\/h3>\n
Holidays are awesome, but there are some people who try to take advantage of tourists. It\u2019s usually only for small amounts of cash, but those little hits to your wallet can add up if you\u2019re on a budget. Senior Analyst Pranai Devulapalli<\/strong> says…<\/p>\n
\u201cAvoid losing money to scammers. Scams can happen anywhere and a big part of saving money is not losing it. Check out the Travel Scams website<\/a> before your trip.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Getting to the airport<\/h3>\n
Sure, you *could* beg your parent\/partner\/friend\/weird next-door neighbour for a ride to the airport. Or you could make like Public Relations Specialist Aliisa Frassetto<\/strong> and scoop up some savings for your next trip.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis one\u2019s easy to forget, but make sure you book your Uber to and from the airport via the Qantas app. It\u2019ll earn you some quick and easy Frequent Flyer points.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Checking in like a pro<\/h3>\n
It turns out there\u2019s an art to checking in \u2013 and that art can score you some freebies! Public Relations Specialist Aliisa Frassetto<\/strong> says…<\/p>\n
\u201cBe sure to tell the hotel about your special occasion \u2013 either when you book or when you check in. Hotels are always looking to make their guests\u2019 stays memorable and some complimentary bubbles to celebrate your engagement or anniversary is always welcome <\/em>\ud83d\ude09.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Who can say no to free bubbles?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/div>\nAssociate Brand Manager Stacey Cooper<\/strong> agrees. But she\u2019s got her eyes on a bigger prize \ud83d\ude32<\/p>\n
\u201cTell reception when you\u2019re checking in if you\u2019re on your honeymoon. You might get an upgrade on your room!\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Eating on the cheap<\/h3>\n
Everyone loves a good buffet brekky (especially if it involves hash browns \u2013 yum!). But Social Media Specialist Adele Bevacqua<\/strong> says they\u2019re an opportunity to save as well as feast.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have a buffet breakfast at your hotel, stay there as long as you can and eat your way up to lunch. That way you don\u2019t need to buy lunch either, and who doesn\u2019t love eating extra bacon?!\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Buffet breakfast, yeeeeesssss<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/div>\nAssociate Brand Manager Stacey Cooper<\/strong> takes it to the next level…<\/p>\n
\u201cTake a little food (just a pastry or a piece of fruit) from the hotel breakfast to snack on later <\/em>\ud83d\ude09.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Cheeky, Stace! And maybe not even necessary if you know Public Relations Specialist Aliisa Frassetto\u2019s<\/strong> hack for cheap lunches.<\/p>\n
\u201cDownload EatClub for iPhone<\/a> or Android<\/a> for last-minute restaurant deals in Australia. Not only can you book yourself a last-minute table at some of Australia\u2019s best restaurants, but you can even score up to 50% off.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Keeping it clean<\/h3>\n
Not all getaways are luxe affairs. Mobile Marketing Manager Adam Bochenek<\/strong> has a clever (but kind of grungy) hack from his backpacking days.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you backpack, always carry an empty plastic bottle with you. You can then fill it up with soap from public toilets and save some $$$ on shower gel and shampoo!\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Adam promises us he doesn\u2019t use this trick in his everyday life. We believe you, Adam \ud83d\ude1c<\/p>\n
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