Holidaymakers Urged To Find Cheap Flights

Open Minds And Tight Purses Urge Holidaymakers Find Cheap Flights

Yesterday’s Reserve Bank announcement to cut official interest rates to their lowest in three years is expected to provide a further boost to outbound travel from Australia.

The combination of a strong Australian dollar and softening global economy means more Australians than ever before are headed on overseas holidays.

While interest rates are at a three year low, outbound travel by Australians is at a three year high, but according to flight comparison website cheapflights.com.au, savvy travellers are taking a flexible and thrifty approach to the way they book their holidays.

Ben Rosier from cheapflights.com.au says holidaymakers are increasingly keeping open minds in relation to their travel dates – and even their destinations – so they get the best deals.

“The strong Australian dollar represents good value for international travel, meaning aspirational destinations like Europe, UK and USA are within reach – and nearby Asian destinations offer tremendous value,” said Ben.

“Canny travellers are searching for the best bargains to give them the most bang for their buck.”

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show a 35 per cent increase in the number of overseas holidays taken in the past three years, with traveller figures increasing from around 3 million to over 4.6 million a year.

Over the same period, the Australian dollar appreciated by 67 per cent against the USD while the average cost of an international holiday decreased by 12 per cent.

A NEW APPROACH

“In a quest to save money, there are two emerging trends; the first is to have flexible travel dates to the destination of your choice. You might be planning to escape winter in 2013 and a quick search of cheap flights to Honolulu shows a return trip between July 17 and July 24 from just $833 including taxes,” Ben said.

The second trend increasing in popularity is for consumers to have no firm destination or dates in mind, but to be led by the hot deals available at the time.

“It really does pay to be flexible about when you travel – and destinations if you can. At cheapflights.com.au, we’ve done all the leg-work to research the best value flights, accommodation and packages for last-minute offers, as well as holidays with a reasonable level of lead-in time. There are some great deals out there, particularly if you book a long time in advance, or have the option to leave things late.”

Return flights to Auckland in February and March 2013 start from just $300.

A getaway to Las Vegas flying Qantas including five nights accommodation from November 5 to 10 starts from $1770 and can be booked up to the date of travel.

Seven nights in Vanuatu from November 11 to 18 starts from $778 including flights and accommodation. Other travel dates are available.

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