SUN, HERE I COME

(tips for when you book last minute)

Are you allowed to board a plane in September or October to bask in the sun? Hooray. Haven't booked anything yet? Oh my gosh. I'll immediately kill you with a happy sparrow (and then the other way around of course), because actually, you're already a bit late for a last-minute. Yes, I know, I find that eyebrow-raising too. But you get the best price if you book 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Are you aiming for the first week of October? I am, I am. Then you're in luck, because you're still just safe.

Oh, and did you know that we are far from cool? The last-minute is on its way out, booking early is the new thing. But I like to be stubborn and push my booking to the limit. Because during our holiday we mainly want to sit front row for a dime (if you don't know this currency anymore, just ask your mother), here are some tips. Use them for your holiday advantage.

See, buy, flye, bye

Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday and, if possible, make a stop at a forgotten airport. The price of your ticket will plummet. Also, just don't depart on Monday morning, Friday evening, or Saturday, because then it's rush hour at the airport.

“1 room left”

But not really. “A thousand people viewed this hotel today.” Nonsense. Don't let yourself be rushed into booking just because the travel provider throws these slogans at you. Take the time to compare prices. Do you see something where you're almost lying on a beach bed with a cocktail (these are nice) for exactly the right price? Then you must rush to put that holiday in your shopping cart and check out.

Take Tuesday off

Huh, but you still have to go on holiday, right? Yes, but on Tuesday around lunch you seem to book the cheapest. So lunch or with a laptop outside or make a quiet agreement with your manager or boss that you can browse travel sites for an hour.

Surprise, surpriiiiiise

The wow, a return for a measly hundred euros per person. And then you suddenly pay fifty euros extra per kilo for dresses (and you have them with you, admit it) or a pile of administration costs. Watch out for the hidden costs under the neatly mowed lawn of the travel giants.

Does the sun shine point and all

Guarantee to your door, but if you prefer sun on your little head, then this is a smart site to check where you can tan without a downpour (do apply, just read here). So there is plenty of sun left in Greece and Spain after the summer and intercontinental is also all muy bien.

Don’t be picky

Being flexible is key. Don't pin yourself down to that one spot on the beach in exactly that right town on the west coast of that exact island. Of course, you can, but your holiday won't get cheaper from it. Travel organizations buy in bulk at popular places, so you're likely to end up for free on the beach. And remember that those are less populated outside the season. Want something authentic? Shop at the smaller organizations or a Travelbird or Secret Escapes.

Sign up for junk mail

Did you hear that right? Yes, you heard it right. Those mountains of spam will quickly get you a cheap trip. Think: TicketSpy, PaperFlies or the app Hopper. The latter is your personal travel agent, as it indicates whether you need to book like crazy or if you can wait a bit because the price is dropping. Look, that kind of assistants are welcome. While you're at it, also check WTC, where the holiday guys sell their trips for a small price.