By Chua Hui Wan, CEO, ZUJI Singapore
1. PLAN AHEAD AND BOOK EARLY
One week before a long weekend, 10% of Singapore-based travellers make last-minute bookings. However, the best time to book a holiday is actually 44 days before departure - you'll get to enjoy the best rates and hotel room choices.
To get the best selections and prices, plan your holiday early to allow yourself ample time to research on your holiday destination. Don’t forget to look out for public holidays on your calendar which can help stretch your vacation.
2. GET THE WHOLE PACKAGE
If you’re on a tight budget, keep a look out for travel packages. Airfare and accommodation bundles can sometimes save you quite a bit of cash. For great travel deals, you can check out the newly launched ZUJI Exclusives. If you happen to find the same deal at a lower rate, ZUJI will give your trip for free!
3. BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR FLIGHTS
Don’t be afraid to play around with alternative date options when planning your trip. Travel booking sites often enable you to select “flexible dates”. By checking out different date combinations, you’ll often find a fare that’s a lot lower than that of your original dates.
4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Basing your travel destination on fabulous looking photos or hotel descriptions is a trap that many typically fall into.
Before making a hotel booking, always do a bit of research to get honest opinions of the place. Sites such as TripAdvisor and travel blogs are great places to start. By reviewing traveller reports and checking out photos from other holiday-makers, you’re able to make a more informed decision.
5. CHECK! CHECK! CHECK!
Bookings can get a little confusing, especially when you’re travelling between different time zones. Be sure to do a triple check on your arrival date with the airline before booking your hotel stay, so you don’t end up paying an extra night.
Moerover, entering the wrong name into a booking can happen - it’s actually a common mistake that can cause huge issues at airports or hotels. When booking international flights, always ensure that the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport.
6. NEVER FORGET TRAVEL INSURANCE
Most people take travel insurance lightly, but it helps to cover most travel mishaps. Make sure you’ve got yourself covered for your flight, accommodation, possessions, luggage and even health. Also, take note of the extent of your insurance coverage.
If you’re planning on going away multiple times in a year, look at getting an annual travel insurance policy. This will not only save you the hassle of multiple travel applications, but some extra cash as well.
7. SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
It might seem like spam in your inbox, but newsletters like ZUJI's are a fantastic source of travel deals, from seasonal promotions to flash sales. Newsletters also often come along with great travel tips, ideas and inspirations.