Sell Off Vacations – Tips & How to find the best last minute deals

Posted on: November 19th, 2008 | admin No Comments

Finding cheap sell off vacations from Canada!

Looking for a Canada last minute travel deal? The Internet has really made Canada last minute travel deals expand in the last few years. In past a travel agent would have to call around from supplier to supplier gathering information. Now, even you at home, have access to thousands of trips with the click of a mouse.

What really is a last minute deal?

Usually it is travel that has been discounted from its original price close to the departure date.

Tour operators such as Air Transat, Nolitours, Signature Vacations or Sunquest Vacations, generally start reducing prices a month before departure. For cruise companies, they may discount 30 to 45 days before departure, so passengers still have time to get to the port of departure. Some airlines and hotels, may begin discounting two to three weeks ahead.

Tips to help you find the best sell off deals

1. Sign up for travel e-newsletters

Many airlines, tour operators, online travel agencies and travel sites have newsletters that they will send you via email; these usually include the latest Canada last minute travel deals.

2. Shop around

Check various travel sites and talk to some travel agents to get prices. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples, know what is included. That great cruise deal may not include airfare to the port!

3. Consider all possible discounts

Do you have Air Miles or frequent flyer miles you can cash in? CAA membership or other affiliations? Ask about kid or senior discounts. Do they have family rates or group rates? Don’t be afraid to ask.

4. Use travel web sites to do the work

Some of them will let you specify the dates of travel and vacation you are looking for and will send you an email when the price reaches your limit.

5. Travel in off-season.

Off-season will vary depending on where you are travelling so do your research and find out when that is. Off-season includes winter for Europe, summer and fall for the Caribbean, when the kids are in school for theme parks like Disney and so on.

6. Traveling during the week can save you money

Saturday and flights during the week are less crowded and therefore more likely to have last minute discounting. Some companies charge a bit less for vacation package that leave mid-week. Also, business hotels are mor likely to charge less on weekends.

7. Read your newspaper’s travel section

The Saturday travel sections in newspapers are still a good source for travel news, tips and Canada last minute travel deals, departing from your city. Read them religiously.

8. Do some negotiating of your own.

Just ask for a deal or a better price! This will usually work if you are dealing directly with a hotel or car rental company directly. It may also work with some travel agent.

9. Start looking around early for a Canada last minute travel deal

When looking for Canada last minute deals, start shopping around about 6 weeks prior to your departure to get a good idea for prices and availability. Narrow down where you want to go and compare some prices. About 3 weeks prior to departure is probably your best time to book. When you notice packages begin to sell out, you want to book before you miss out on that deal. The prices only go so low and sometimes sell out before they really drop in price.

10. Book early

Some of the best deals may be had booking early. Most tour operators and cruise companies offer discounts for early booking. If there is a specific date you want to travel and or you have a specific resort or destination in mind, you are better off to book early and secure your vacation than to risk waiting for a Canada last minute deal that may or may not happen.

Tags: , ,

Comments are closed.