Many people consider budget and luxury to be at opposing ends of a financial spectrum. This is not necessarily always the case. With a host of websites offering discount package holidays as well as individual flights, car hires and accommodation, it’s never been easier to source deals and discounts on luxury holidays.
In order to finance and plan for your perfect luxury holiday, it is helpful to have somewhere in mind. Barbados is one of the most enviable Caribbean destinations and often considered to be well out of reach for the budget traveler. However, with some smart internet research and a flexible itinerary, dreams of luxury Barbados holidays can easily come true.
Book during school time/off-peak
This isn’t an option for everyone but if it’s possible to book a holiday while kids are at school, there are a host of deals available and travel companies are desperate for business during a time when many people cannot get away. Barbados relies heavily on tourism so airlines and resorts are eager to fill seats and beds respectively during off-peak seasons and some luxury all-inclusives are known to slash prices by as much as half during these times. Try booking between April and December to take advantage of summer sales in the Caribbean and avoid the peak winter rush.
Check the last-minute sales
Flexibility is key for this one. If it’s possible, wait until the very last minute to see what kind of deals are available. If you have a specific destination like Barbados in mind, or better yet, a specific hotel, waiting could yield some serious bargains. If travel time comes around and hotels and airlines are still trying to sell empty seats or rooms, prices will come down dramatically. This option is great for those who don’t stress too much about making arrangements well in advance.
Use a special occasion to get a discount
While this may be considered rather cheeky by some, hotels and airlines often have a budget set aside for upgrades or discounts considered to be “good will gestures”. Barbados is an incredibly popular destination for those traveling on a honeymoon, birthday or an anniversary, so be sure to mention it to the airline or hotel before you travel. They will often upgrade you to the next flight class or an even nicer room which could make for the holiday you’ve always dreamed of. In any case, it’s always worth discussing a price for your room over the phone with a hotel as you may be able to swing a discount through negotiation.
When sourcing an inexpensive luxury holiday, be sure to check the specialist holiday clubs for flash sales, especially if you’re looking at a long-haul trip like Barbados. If you’re able to travel off-peak, be patient with your bookings and willing to tap into some local ‘goodwill’, you will find the price tag of your luxury holiday is dramatically reduced and fits comfortably within your budget.
Images by Paul Cook and star5112, used under Creative Comms license
We tend to book last minute, and it has saved us a good amount of money. We also shop around like crazy.
Last minute booking is kinda like gambling. Sometimes you win, other times you lose. 😉
Off peak vacations are the best, for prices anyhow. Always good deals to be had 🙂
Mark
Truth. And the south is warm almost all the time.
I just went to Jamaica on my honeymoon and going after Labor Day was genius. This is especially the case in hotels that are targets for families. I do recommend when going in the fall however, to get trip insurance that covers in case of a hurricane.
Oooh great point about insurance.
We do not really want to risk with last minute deals because it is a gamble and prices might not really go down but booking in the off season is a plus.
Checking last-minute sales is like gambling. But my wife and me like to take the risk. We have bought many things in cheap price.
Exactly what I said above.
I’m trying to get better at being more travel and budget savvy. Between scouring the internet for the best deals and trying to utilize credit card rewards, I’m getting there slowly…
I’ve recently gotten into the cc craze.
I’d love to go to Barbados one day! In the past, I’ve found some great deals by purchasing flights, accommodation, excursions and car hire separately. Going at off peak times does help but I wouldn’t be able to do that anymore I don’t think now I’ve got my little girl!
Interesting! I’ve never seen that before.
Have not been to Barbados yet, but it is definitely on my to-do list. I have been to St. Martin and Dominican Republic so far and both time I enjoyed myself on a finite budget. Caribbean is always a great getaway.
I’m definitely a fan of travelling to popular places like Barbados outside of peak season/school holidays. Many more budget options available.
I went to Barbados for my honeymoon and it was absolutely brilliant I loved it. We even went on a helicopter ride which is something I have always wanted to do. After being to India, Sri Lanka, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. I do prefer Jamaica to all of them however. They are all really beautiful places though.