IT MIGHT BE July in Ireland, but you certainly wouldn’t know it from the weather…
Yes, on days like today, you might feel tempted to book a last-minute holiday and get the hell out of here.
But how to go about it?
Here are some quick, hassle-free tips.
1. First of all, look beyond Ryanair and Aer Lingus
The Ryanair website might be your first port of call when planning a fantasy last-minute holiday, but there are tons of other airlines who fly out of Ireland. (A full list of airlines who fly out of Dublin Airport is available here while a list of carriers flying out Cork Airport is available here.)
When booking flights, shop around and see if it’s worth flying with another airline.
2. Pay a visit to a travel agent
Sure, the notion of visiting a travel agent might sound positively archaic, but we promise it’s worth it. Not only does it save you loads of hassle, but play your cards right and you could wind up saving loads of money.
3. Or take matters into your own hands and go holiday-hunting on online agents like Expedia or Ebookers
A quick glance at Ebookers today shows deals available in the likes of Copenhagen, Istanbul and London. Just make sure you read all the fine print — cancellation policies and the likes — before finalising your booking.
Also: Skyscanner is your friend.
4. When it comes to accommodation, be sure to look into Airbnb
Depending on where you’re going, hotels and accommodation could prove quite costly. Whether you’re going to Barcelona or Sri Lanka, it’s worth looking into Airbnb.
For a fraction of the fee you’d pay for a hotel room, you can rent an apartment. Obviously breakfast and the likes won’t be included, but that just means more time for exploring.
5. Be open to flying midweek
It might be a pain in the neck, but you’re far more likely to find cheap, available seats during the week. A quick gander at flights on Ryanair indicates that Tuesday or Wednesday are the cheapest days to fly.
So now.
6. But don’t book your flight just yet
According to a study from Expedia, the best day to book a flight is Tuesday once it’s booked between 50 and 100 days in advance. For holidays with shorter lead-ins, Sunday seems to be the best day to book a plane ticket.
Just something to keep in mind.
