My Top 7 Tips To Help You Have A Better 2024 Holiday
Before you begin your search, it’s important to carefully think about what you truly need and want from your vacation. That’s where this guide comes in handy. Here are my top 7 tips to help you find your dream 2024 holiday.
Looking for the perfect holiday can be a total nightmare. With so many hotels, cruises, and activities out there, it can feel impossible to figure out what's right for you. That's where I come in - I'll create a custom holiday just for you.
But before you start your search, it's important to think about what you really need and want (that’s why I’m here to help!). Here are my top 7 tips for finding your ideal holiday in 2024.
#1 Work out a rough budget for your holiday
Believe it or not, I don't ask for your budget just to line my pockets. I do it to make sure you get the best bang for your buck on your holiday. I need to know what you can realistically afford so I can create a perfect mix of luxury and affordability for you.
Let's be real here, if you're dreaming of a holiday way out of your price range, you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. Just like you budget for a big purchase like a car or a house, figure out what you can comfortably spend on your 2024 getaway. So let's get real and work this out together.
#2 Why asking for a "cheap as possible" holiday is the worst thing you can do when searching for your 2020 trip
When you're dining out and the server swings by to take your order, you don't settle for the most budget-friendly option on the menu. You go all out and order exactly what you're craving. The same goes for your holiday. Some people may want a light, healthy salad, while others are craving a juicy steak or an exotic, spicy dish. If you end up with a sad bowl of plain rice while the folks at the next table are digging into a scrumptious meal, it's going to make your choice look pretty lackluster. Sometimes, the difference between a top-notch hotel with amazing amenities and super-friendly staff is just a tiny bit more per night compared to the "cheapest" hotel. So, are you willing to shell out a little more for a way better trip, or is your motto "the cheaper, the better"?
#3 Take reviews with a pinch of salt
Have you read so many TripAdvisor reviews that you feel like you’ve already been there? And even with a plethora of fantastic reviews, do you always zero in on the one negative one? Typically, I’ve noticed that most negative reviews stem from people who didn’t do their homework before booking a hotel. I’ve come across complaints about an abundance of fresh fish on the menu at hotels in fishing ports, noisy rooms at a hotel located next to a nightclub, and even objections to other people dining in the restaurant at the same time.
Let me save you the trouble of sifting through TripAdvisor reviews. The top-rated hotels may not be the fanciest, but don't let that fool you - they've got some pleasant surprises up their sleeves. Let me do the heavy lifting and find the perfect hotel for you, regardless of what others may think.
#4 Never, ever say "We’re not fussed", "Anything will do" or "It just has to be cheap"
Think of Travel Counsellors as the Sherlock Holmes of your travel dilemmas, but let's be real, I need some solid clues to work with here. The more insight I have into your preferences, from your favourite grub to your overall holiday vibes, the more I can elevate your experience. Your input can make or break your annual getaway, so the more details you dish out, the more fabulous your holiday will be. It's all about putting in the effort to reap the rewards.
#5 The more I know about what you love, the better your holiday is going to be
When I inquire about people's past holidays (not booked with me!), the word I hear most often is "fine". Let's be real, "fine" is for your ordinary lunch break or your uneventful commute to work. But when it comes to your long-awaited two weeks of holiday after saving up for ages, "fine" just doesn't cut it. With a little extra effort in asking for a quote or chatting with me, I can turn your trip from "fine" to "amazing". Isn't that worth a little extra effort? Come on, let's make your 2024 holiday truly unforgettable.
#6 Be flexible
Sometimes by changing your dates by a few days or flying from another airport, you can save a fortune. If you can only fly from a certain local airport on exact dates and times, it will severely limit your choice of holidays and destinations.
#7 Make sure whatever you book, you're protected
If you book your flights and accommodation separately, you have very little financial protection. In the event that your flight gets axed or delayed, the standalone hotel you've reserved isn't required to budge an inch, change your plans, or fork over a refund. And the same goes for transfers and activities. Your airline is pretty much shackled by what the law demands of them. Sure, you could potentially get some cash back, but in most situations, only if the airline messed up. Typically, flight cancellations are due to factors like bad weather and strikes, things that are beyond the airline's control, leaving you with nothing but a pitying pat on the back in the form of a full refund. Good luck finding a last-minute replacement flight without breaking the bank, and even if you manage to, chances are your refund won't cover it. To top it all off, most travel insurance policies have minuscule limits on what they'll cover in these sticky situations.
We've been awarded an ATOL license which means if your airline was to collapse (such as with Thomas Cook or Monarch for example), you'll be repatriated back to the UK. Every penny of your holiday is safe and secure in our Travel Trust fund independently managed by Barclays Bank.
And if the worst should happen whilst you're away, isn't it nice to speak with a real human instead of a robot. Our round-the-clock Duty Office keeps a close eye on global happenings and is always on standby in case you find yourself in a pickle while on your travels.
Now you've ready my top 7 tips, get in touch to start planning your ultimate 2024 holiday. Email martin.ross@travelcounsellors.com or call 01452 855 433.