The Truth About Travel Hacks: Separating Fact from Fiction
When it comes to planning a holiday, we’ve all been guilty of scouring social media for the best deals and travel tips. With millions of posts on TikTok claiming to have the ultimate hacks for saving money, it can be overwhelming to know who to trust.
To help you navigate the world of travel hacks, we spoke to booking insider George Hastings, Managing Director and Co-Founder at Ocean Holidays, to get the lowdown on popular booking tips and reveal whether they’re truth or myth.
Myth: Booking Last-Minute Flights Will Get You the Best Deal
You’ve probably seen it all over social media: ‘Book your flights last minute to get the best deals!’ But, according to George, this common hack is actually a myth.
‘It’s a common misconception that booking last-minute flights will get you the best deals. I think this comes from people thinking the plane is already due to go and airlines want to get rid of any unassigned seats.’ - George Hastings
In reality, booking at the last minute will rarely save you money, especially during peak travel times like Easter or summer holidays. To get the best prices, aim to book between 250-330 days before departure.
Flight prices can fluctuate greatly depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.
Truth: Flying Indirect Will Save You Hundreds of Pounds
Mastering the art of layovers can not only get you some extra sightseeing in but also save you up to 40% off your flights!
‘This hack is absolutely worth the hype. Many people will opt for convenience above all else, and if travelling is particularly taxing on you or someone you’re travelling with, that can sometimes be the best option.’ - George Hastings
But if you’re willing to add 4+ hours to your trip, you can save hundreds of pounds. In fact, it could save you up to 40% off your overall trip cost. Flying indirect can also get you a stopover for free because airlines are routed via certain gateways. For example, Delta Airlines is routed via JFK, so if you are travelling to Orlando but fancy a couple of nights in New York, this is already included in your indirect flight price, so you can just add on the cost of your accommodation.
A layover can be a great way to break up your journey and see more of the world.
By separating fact from fiction, you can make informed decisions about your travel plans and save money in the process. Remember, it’s always important to do your research and not rely on unproven hacks.
Happy travels!
