How Do You Know If A Holiday Deal Is Actually Good Value?

A holiday deal is genuinely good value when the total price, hotel, flights, board basis, location and what is included all offer a worthwhile trip for the money you are paying.

A holiday being advertised as a “deal” does not automatically mean it is the cheapest or best option available. Travel companies use discounts and promotional prices all the time, but the headline figure only tells you part of the story. Looking at the whole package can help you work out what you are actually getting for your money.

What Is Included In The Holiday Price?

One of the first things to check is exactly what you are paying for. A cheap looking holiday might only include hand luggage, while another slightly more expensive option includes checked baggage. Transfers, meals, airport parking and other extras can also make a difference.

This is particularly important with package holidays. Look at the final price rather than simply comparing the initial advertised cost. A holiday that appears cheaper at first may end up costing considerably more once you have added the extras.

Is The Hotel Actually Good?

Price should never be considered separately from the hotel itself. Look at the hotel's location, facilities, room type and recent reviews before deciding whether the price represents good value. A five star hotel in a convenient location may offer considerably more for your money than a cheaper property where you need to spend more on taxis or transport.

It is also worth checking exactly which room you are booking. “Sea view” and “partial sea view”, for example, can mean very different things, while a standard room may be considerably smaller than a suite shown in the holiday photographs.

Does The Board Basis Suit You?

The cheapest holiday is not always the cheapest once you are there. If you are staying somewhere where restaurants and drinks are expensive, an all inclusive package could potentially work out better than booking breakfast only. On the other hand, if you plan to spend most of your time exploring local restaurants, paying extra for all inclusive may not make much sense.

Think about how you actually like to holiday rather than automatically choosing the cheapest board option.

A spokesperson from Holiday Exclusives, a platform that hand picks the best holiday deals for travellers, mentioned how “a good deal is about more than simply finding the lowest price, it is about finding the right holiday for the money”.

Are The Flight Times Any Good?

Flight times are another easy thing to overlook when comparing deals. A holiday that costs less might involve a very early departure and a late return. Another deal could cost slightly more but give you much better timings.

Also check whether baggage is included and which airport you are flying from. If getting to the airport is difficult or expensive, this should form part of your overall calculation.

Is The Holiday In A Good Location?

Location can have a surprisingly big effect on the overall cost of a holiday. A hotel that is further away from the main resort or attractions might have a lower headline price, but you could end up spending more on taxis, public transport or car hire.

Before booking, check a map and see what is actually nearby. Look at beaches, restaurants, shops and attractions as well as how easy it is to get around.

Are You Travelling At The Right Time?

The same hotel can cost dramatically different amounts depending on when you travel. Peak summer dates, school holidays and popular events tend to come with higher prices, while travelling outside these periods can sometimes give you access to the same hotel for much less.

If your dates are flexible, compare several departure dates before deciding. Moving your holiday by a few days can sometimes make a substantial difference without changing the destination or hotel.

How Can You Compare Holiday Deals Properly?

The easiest way is to compare like for like. Look at the same dates, hotel, room type and board basis before deciding which option offers better value. Then consider everything else that matters to you, including flights, baggage, transfers, location and cancellation conditions.

A genuinely good holiday deal should leave you feeling that you are getting a lot for what you have paid, rather than simply having a large percentage discount displayed next to the price.

Taking a few extra minutes to check the details can therefore make a big difference. Instead of being drawn in by the cheapest headline figure, look at the complete holiday and work out what you will actually receive for your money.