Peak season price busting tips

Bulgaria: Cool coasts

by Will Venn - 06/08/2008

Late summer holiday bookers will rejoice at the number of ways it's possible to still bag a bargain right now, even though the peak season is upon us.

If time is flexible and you're prepared to step outside Euro currency based countries without going long haul, you'd be surprised at some of the deals currently on offer, especially in resorts in Turkey and Bulgaria. Our tips could help save you holiday money...

Give yourself a midweek send-off

If you've decided to book a short city break or would rather avoid an all inclusive trip, choosing instead to plan your holiday yourself, then aim to travel mid-week. Booking a weekend break to hotspots like Barcelona or Istanbul, especially during the Bank Holiday period can be a headache as quite aside from road congestion, packed airports and children on school holidays, there is usually less choice in terms of accommodation and a hike in prices for what is left, as demand increases on transport and hotels.

For example an overnight return ticket on Eurostar departing on Wednesday 17 September and returning the following day is priced at around £59 whilst to depart on Saturday 20 and return on Sunday 21 September, the cheapest ticket being quoted online is £84. If possible steer clear of the weekend travel.

If you can avoid travelling at peak hours during the day you will again save yourself money and have a better pick of seats to choose from. Charter flights which tend to operate outside of normal scheduled hours, through tour operators like Thomas Cook, may mean an early wake up call but you can rest easy once you've arrived at your final destination knowing you haven't paid a premium on a scheduled flight

Take an all inclusive break

The advantages of going all-inclusive means the sting is taken out of usual "add on costs", such as transfers between airport and resort, and meals. All-inclusive could also reduce your exposure to unscrupulous restaurateurs, taxi drivers or local tour operators who may take advantage of your lack of regional knowledge in a new area, especially concerning customs and prices.

With many tour operators providing crèche facilities for children, offering family entertainment at night and ensuring hotel meals cater for sensitive or younger palettes, (those which may be less accustomed to spicy or unusual local foods) going down the all inclusive path when booking family holidays can be a considerably cheaper option than trying to do it yourself.

You can also choose the level of all-inclusivity you want; with self catering packages in many family resorts proving as popular as full board options, due to less restrictions being placed on organising holiday activities around set meal times.

With tour operators Crystal Active offering tailor made activity trips such as windsurfing and sailing breaks in Turkey or mountain biking and white water rafting in Austria, the benefits of all inclusive here means that private boat or windsurfing or canoe hire are negated as the cost of enjoying or learning these activities is covered in the price.

Travel off-peak

September is the month that the kids return to school and the leaves begin to change colour in the UK. But across Mediterranean-based resorts, it's a perfect time to holiday as temperatures across the Spanish Costas and Balearics, the Greek isles and Turkish coastline still average in the high 20cs.

The biggest advantage, apart from the less crowded beaches and hotels, are the end of season sales which see tour operators slash prices on deals before the season finally ends.

Leave tomorrow

If you really can't wait until September, the best alternative is to take advantage of a late deal. Pack your bags, sit tight and be prepared to sacrifice choice of location or hotel in the name of picking up a bargain as you check what deals there are online.

Destinations

Bulgaria and Turkey are two rising stars on the holiday map with a huge increase in tourist numbers and growth in resorts over the past decade. Although geographically on the fringes of Europe, neither country has the euro. With a good pound exchange rate against theTurkish Lira and Bulgaria Leva, your cash will go much further compared to more traditional resorts around Spain, Greece and Italy.

Sunny Beach and Golden Sands are the Black Sea resorts of Bulgaria along which lie vast beaches and a good range of night clubs. In addition, the Roman baths in Varna can be combined easily with a resort stay.

Turkey's beaches can be found mainly along the Aegean and Mediterranean coastline, with Antalya, Gumbet, Olu Deniz and Bodrum being the main ports of call for most tourists. With the ancient ruins at Ephesus and Side worth visiting on day trip away from the coast, there is also much to do and see both culturally and historically.