Wotif.com’s tips on saving money on travel

Media Release
26 February 2009

Wotif you could take a break without breaking the budget

Wotif.com’s tips on saving money on travel

Purse-strings may have tightened and budgets are already stretched but leading accommodation website Wotif.com says there has never been a better time for consumers to snag a bargain.

Wotif.com General Manager Brand Megan Magill said a getaway doesn't have to cost a fortune and a short break or a weekend away might just be what you need to escape all the doom and gloom.

“There has been a massive increase in the number of accommodation deals and travel offers available to consumers and if you combine this with some of our simple money-saving tips, an affordable break is just around the corner,” Magill said.

“One way people are saving is by booking short trips or weekends away more frequently and staying closer to home, rather than spending a larger portion of the budget on one-off luxury holidays or long-haul flights.”

Magill said being flexible and spontaneous is key to cost cutting in this market. “Take advantage of promotional offers which can save you money, like signing up to incentive newsletters so you’re the first to see the latest deals and then let the deals, rather than location, drive your decision, ” she said.
“Keep an eye out for Wotif.com’s ‘flaming deals’ which means you won’t find a cheaper deal online. And for the truly spontaneous, try a Wot Hotel – leading hotel chains will significantly reduce their rate so much they aren’t allowed to put their name to them.”

“It’s also important to consider what type of accommodation suits your needs – if you’re with kids, self-contained apartments are a great option – and also look into what inclusions come as part of the deal. You can save on parking, some meals and entertainment with some hotels’ deals.”

Wotif.com has more than 13,000 hotels on offer and savings up to 70% so you can start planning your next break now.

Wotif.com’s top ten budget travel tips

1 – Be your own travel agent
Avoid paying travel agent commissions by booking your own flights and accommodation online.

2 – Wait for the shoulder or low season
Accommodation rates are highest during peak periods as demand is at its highest. So if you can be flexible, try going away during the shoulder or low seasons.

3 – Keep an open mind and your eye out
Instead of choosing a destination first, let the deals guide your decision. Each week, Wotif.com scours our 13,000 properties searching for the best deals. These are packaged together in a newsletter that’s emailed to subscribers each week. A subscription to this newsletter is free.

There are other ways to save money through Wotif.com too.
Flaming Deals: When a deal is so hot it deserves extra special attention, we make it stand out from the crowd by adding flames. You won’t find a better price anywhere else.

Wot Hotel?: Some hotels discount their rooms so much their management won’t let them put their name beside it. Before you book, you know location, quality, price and facilities. Then once booked we’ll tell you all the details. You won’t find a better price for this room anywhere else.

4 – Consider a self-contained apartments
With more space and the facilities to cook your own meals, self-contained apartments can save you money. Plus the addition of a laundry also means you can pack less.

5 – Get off the beaten track
It’s no secret that the more popular the destination, the higher the accommodation prices. Rather than go with the crowd, consider more off-beat destinations like regional areas, or choose accommodation that is just outside of the town.

6 – Look for added extras
Many hotels add value-packed inclusions to their deals. Items such as complimentary breakfasts, free parking, vouchers to local amusement parks, can be worth their weight in gold and keep additional costs to a minimum.

7 – Remember the kids
Check out the complimentary facilities available in the hotel/resort. Complimentary use of items such as tennis courts, swimming pools and playgrounds will keep the kids amused and keep entertaining costs to a minimum. Often resorts offer Kids Clubs for free or a nominal price, keeping them interested and giving you time to relax.

8 – Act quickly
If you see a deal that fits your budget – snap it up!

9 – Be wise with your choice
Be sure to choose your travel website carefully. Online scammers are becoming more savvy, so make sure you book with a company you know and trust.

10 – Be adventurous
If you’re flexible on the destination, go where the deals take you. Rather than looking only in the most popular beach spots, browse a variety of beach destinations and then let the discounts make the decision for you – who knows you might find another favourite spot

About Wotif.com

Wotif.com sells accommodation online in 45 countries.
Our great rates, broad accommodation range, easy-to-use site and 24/7 Customer Service Centre have made us the most popular way for business and leisure travellers in Australia and New Zealand to book accommodation online. Every month our site attracts 3.4 million visits, with customers making over 205,000 bookings.

We launched in Brisbane, Australia, in March 2000 and now have offices in Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom to support our growing international presence. Wotif.com is listed on the ASX, trading under the code WTF.

ENDS

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