When booking a holiday, most travellers will opt for their local airport and choose a solid number of days away, like a week or two.
But what many don’t realise is that their booking habits are driving up the cost of their trip.
New analysis of booking prices over the last two years found exactly what holidaymakers could do to bring down their expenses.
A whopping 70 per cent of holidaymakers book traditional trips – often seven to 14 nights, their closest airport and travelling over weekends.
But First Choice found this was quietly increasing the prices of trips.
Instead, the tour operator recommends booking a ‘wonky holiday’ – which could save travellers over £1,000.
A ‘wonky holiday’ involves making unconventional, somewhat small tweaks to your break.
Changes, such as flying midweek, jetting off from a different airport and staying an ‘odd’ number of nights, can help save up to £1,100 per person.
Booking a ‘wonky holiday’ could save travellers over £1,000, according to tour operator First Choice
The research found holidaymakers who booked stays for less-traditional days, like five or 11 nights, paid up to 13 per cent less than those who went for a more standard stay.
Meanwhile, changing up the departure or arrival airport also cut the costs by more than £1,000 in some situations.
Saturday is often a popular day to jet off, but flying on a Tuesday or Thursday saved holidaymakers £70 each in the research.
What’s more, going away during shoulder season, such as late March or mid-September, also worked out 16 per cent cheaper than peak travel times.
Money-saving expert Jordan Cox said: ‘Being flexible, whether that’s travelling midweek, choosing a different airport, or avoiding the standard seven- or 14-night stay, can unlock significant savings, sometimes even enough to take two trips for the price of one.
‘A little research and a willingness to embrace slightly ‘wonky’ choices can go a long way.’
First Choice’s Wonky Holidays Savings Report identified how a seven-night stay in Paphos, flying from London Heathrow on Saturday, July 25, comes to £1,500 per person.
Meanwhile, jetting off to the same hotel on Tuesday, July 14, from London Luton, works out at £947.
A whopping 70 per cent of holidaymakers book traditional trips – often seven to 14 nights, their closest airport and travelling over weekends. First Choice found this was quietly increasing the prices of trips
By making small changes to the date and airport, it racks up an impressive £553 saving per person.
Kevin Nelson, Managing Director of First Choice, commented: ‘People want incredible holidays, and confidence they’re getting value.
‘That’s why we created Wonky Holidays: to make it easier to find flexible trips that deliver better value without compromising on experience.’
It comes after a seasoned traveller shared why you should always have a conversation about money with your friends, before going on holiday with them.
