Everyone wants to know they’re getting the best possible price for their vacation – but how do you actually do that?
Do you scour “discount” travel sites that offer trips at cheap prices? Do you grab that Groupon that just showed up in your email? Do you ask thousands of people you don’t know in a Facebook group? Do you book the inn that your Aunt Martha said was a great deal when she and Uncle Harry visited there 20 years ago?
The answer actually starts with two truths that you probably heard as a kid:
- You get what you paid for.
- If it seems too good to be true – it probably is.
In other words, cheap doesn’t equal value when it comes to travel, and you really want to look at the value of what you’re getting. Because it’s vacation value that matters. If the vacation you’re looking at provides a lot of value for your priorities, then it’s a great deal!
Let’s look at a popular destination example: a Caribbean “all-inclusive”. No doubt, great beaches and beautiful blue water are on your list, as well as a variety of water sports, like snorkeling or water skiing. You are probably also interested in some great food and an all-inclusive resort will surely have lots of great food, right?
At this point, many folks will find a website with tons of beautiful photos of white sandy beaches, turquoise water, lots of water sports, and even mouth-watering photos of food. And cheap prices! It’s got to be a great deal, right?
But what is actually included in this “great deal”?
Yes, there are beautiful beaches and water. But wait a minute, that’s a public beach and you were really looking for something more private. Water sports are there though – but they aren’t included in the price of the vacation and are an additional charge. And the food? Unfortunately, that delicious looking steak is at a “specialty restaurant” that you can visit – for an additional cost. As it turns out, the food that is included is at just one restaurant and all the other ones (with all the really good food) are not included and will cost extra.
And there’s more. You are looking for a fun and active resort with a party atmosphere – but whoops, the resort that’s such a great deal apparently caters to folks who are in bed by 10 every night!
So, is this great deal actually a good value for you?
No matter where you are traveling, there’s a lot to consider when choosing your destination, be it tropical resort, cruise, group tour, or even theme park. What is included in what you’re paying? What (if anything) will cost extra? Will this place have the things that I am looking for?
In other words – is this the right place for me?
When you find the right destination that checks off all your boxes, then you can look at how to get the best price.
It may seem like a lot to consider, but the good news is that you actually don’t have to do this alone – an experienced travel specialist will make sure that the vacation you book is the right one for you. The one that provides the best value, with all the things you are looking for – and she will help you get the best possible price.
In other words, it will truly be a great deal. For you.
And who knows, it might just be that favorite inn that Aunt Martha and Uncle Harry loved so much.
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