I’m a travel expert and here are 5 ways you can spend your dream vacation on a budget

A TRAVEL expert has revealed five ways you can have a dream vacation on a budget.

According to bargain hunter Andrea Knowles, factors like the day you book the trip can yield huge savings.

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1. Always book your accommodation BEFORE your flight

Andrea – the resident bargain expert at Vouchers.com – claimed that holidaymakers should prioritize booking a hotel before booking cheap flights.

She said: “When booking a holiday, many people start by looking for the cheapest flights, but this is rarely the best course of action.

“As your accommodation is likely to be your most expensive expense, this should be your priority when booking as you can make the biggest savings.”

One important thing to remember is to check that the hotel you book is also accessible from an airport you would be flying to.

2. Book your flight 56 ​​days before travel

While savvy shoppers can sometimes snag an incredible last-minute deal, research shows that booking an average of 56 days in advance brings the biggest savings.

Andrea said: “After analyzing more than 13.2 billion prices on 100 popular routes, the travel search engine momondofound that it is cheapest to book a flight 56 ​​days in advance.

“However, this also plays into sales, so be sure to take it with a pinch of salt.

“Book in advance if in doubt.”

3. Find airlines with free baggage upgrades

Many budget airlines such as Ryanair no longer allow you to travel for free with a small carry-on bag. A supposedly cheap flight with luggage can quickly become expensive.

But a handy online tool could help.

Andrea explains: “It is definitely worth booking all flights through Google flights as they let you search with a ‘cabin’ option ticked – which shows you the true price of a flight.”

4. Choose an Airbnb with a washing machine

Staying in an apartment like an Airbnb rental can come with many budget-friendly perks like a stocked kitchen or laundry facilities.

Andrea explained how staying in a place with laundry facilities means you can pack less and save on airfare.

She said: “Airbnb allows you to search for properties with this special feature, so you can easily pack and wash your clothes while you’re outside.

“Also, look for somewhere with a kitchen to save money by not having to eat out all three meals a day.”

5. Book a cruise on a Thursday

If you are looking to set sail on an exotic cruise, the day of the week you book the voyage can affect the price you pay.

Andrea revealed: “The price of a cruise can fluctuate throughout the year and depends on a number of factors such as: B. an increase in bookings or the remaining overall availability.

“However, research from Cruise Critic shows that prices tend to drop mid-week, so booking on a Thursday is likely to get you the best deal.”

A travel expert recently revealed why you should never book a hotel with too many five star reviews.

You can always get the best seats on a Ryanair flight by stopping by with a practical seating plan.

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