The more travelers plan their vacations in advance, the better deals they’re likely to get. That doesn’t mean, however, that they need to stay put when spring fever hits.
Flexible travelers have a leg up
When it comes to last-minute travel, there still are deals to be had for those who are willing to be flexible.
“If you’re looking to get away for three or four days, the first thing you need to do is set a window for eight or nine days to look for flights,” said Dena Bahnsen, manager of Jetset Travel in Dover.
Also consider what time of year it is and whether or not your travel plans surround a holiday.
“If the kids are out of school, it’s going to be expensive,” said Marie Keller, travel consultant at Windham Travel & Cruise Center in Dover.
It actually bodes well for Kent Countians that they’re nearly equidistant from Philadelphia International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport because they can be flexible with their departure airport.
“You can create your own competitive situation with airfare,” she said.
Keller said travelers should watch out for flight restrictions when booking in a hurry. Some airlines offer cheaper pricing when booking seven- or 14-days in advance, or longer, although she said some are getting away from that to compete with budget carriers.
Bahnsen said travelers also should consider what airports they’re flying in and out of to get the best deals. Prices are all about beating the other carriers for customers.
“Airfares are based solely on competition, so the more carriers that fly between A and B that are vying for your business, the lower the fares are going to be,” she said.
Go where the deals are
The sluggish economy is actually helping travelers looking to take a break from Dover, especially when it comes to cruises, according to Keller, so people who don’t mind sailing out of New Jersey, Baltimore or Florida might be in luck.
“With the economy the way it is right now, these people are trying to get rid of all their space,” she said.
Bahnsen said at Jetset, cruises sailing from Baltimore and New York have been in high demand, likely because people don’t have to fly to get to their port, so late bargains have been harder to find.
There are some destinations that regularly offer discounted deals. Jamaica and Cancun are popular destinations because there are a lot of hotels there, so competition is fierce to fill those rooms. The same goes for Las Vegas for people without a passport.
