By Alex Tilbury
Cost of living ... whether it is relaxing on a Queensland beach or sailing on a luxury cruise liner, your dream break comes at a price. HOW can you afford the holiday you have always dreamt of and no doubt deserve?
Whether it is relaxing on a beach in north Queensland, haggling with hawkers in Thailand or sailing on a luxury cruise liner through Alaska, your dream break comes at a price.
But with a few smart money moves, you can have a five-star holiday at a three-star price.
Depending when you book your fares or accommodation, you can shave potentially hundreds of dollars off the price of your dream getaway.
An explosion of chip-cheap flights has changed the way we travel.
Suddenly, a weekend in Kuala Lumpur is more affordable than a trip to the Outback.
Airlines like Singapore's Tiger Airways and newcomer AirAsia X offer drastically low fares, and most of us would willingly forfeit leg room and new-release movies for the prices.
But be warned, onboard food is not included and very expensive so pre-order and pay online and save sometimes 20 per cent or more.
Also, many savvy international travellers swear by ordering vegetarian meals before they leave as they often are served first, are of better quality and free of heavy meat dishes.
Bargain months
THE agents reckon travellers can get great deals on expiring fares in February and March as the end of financial year for airlines is March 31. But November also offers unbeatable deals before the school year ends.
The best tip is to depart on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday to keep costs down, as they are often the lowest fare days.
"Check for low periods ... travel during off-peak periods when there are fewer people and fares are lower," he says.
"When you see a good deal, buy it. Inventory changes constantly for both flights and hotel."
Deals might not be available later.
Also travel just after a major holiday period as demand and prices usually drop off.
If an airline decides to fly a new route it typically will seek to make its presence felt with special offers.
Flight Centre's Long says to watch for specials to Los Angeles later this year when Virgin starts its new route.
Inner-city luxury
CBD hotels also offer fantastic deals over Christmas as all the corporate demand dries up.
A luxury city break doesn't have to cost a fortune.
"Traditionally, business travel eases off during school holidays and around Christmas,"
"As a result, four- and five-star hotels drop their prices in a bid to attract leisure travellers.
"In Australia, generally the peak times occur during the school holidays and for the four weeks following New Year."
Be your own agent
AVOID paying travel agent commissions by booking your own flights and accommodation online.
The internet has opened up the travel market and slashed commissions to travel agents.
Check your baggage limit, it's generally two pieces of checked luggage to a maximum of 20kg for economy passengers. If you go over the limit, chances are you will be charged extra.
Self-contained apartments
SELF-CATERING is the affordable way to go. 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," 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.
If you're looking for tips from fellow travellers, try www.wotguides.com or www.lonelyplanet.com
House swapping
JUST like in the Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet movie The Holiday, exchanging homes with strangers is a popular holiday option for those wanting a break on a budget.
A spokesman for US-based Home Exchange says swaps within the same country are normally one to two weeks and international exchanges are normally one to three weeks.
Aussie House Swap specialises in Australian and New Zealand travel only. "No accommodation costs, so you'll save money," according to www.aussiehouseswap.com.au
"Convenient home cooking facilities, saving more money, plus more privacy, space and comfort."
So if you have a Gold Coast pad, there's a family in Queenstown, New Zealand, looking for a house swap. You get to go skiing in September, and they get to lie in the sun at Surfers Paradise.
