The end of the year is not the best time to travel as you’ll be competing with hordes of holiday-makers for travel dates. On the financial side of things, this is also a time for airlines to rake in the cash. Unsurprisingly, airfares have gone through the roof during this peak season. Recently I planned for a holiday trip to Singapore and comparison airline booking websites show an average of AU$1600 for a return flight from Sydney to Singapore compared to the usual AU$1200 at the most. My findings have shown that airlines have jacked up its taxes, making overseas travel an unwelcome option. The airfares governed by the economics of supply and demand have left us with three options, to give in and pay the atrocious prices, to be more flexible with travel dates and take advantage of low fares in off-peak season or to apply strategies that make travel more affordable at the end of the year.

One of the strategies I have adopted is to use the frequent flyer points to offset the hefty airfare. In using it, I’ve saved $300 in exchange for a 42 000 point reduction. Now it’s time to accumulate more flyer points to be used at the next most opportune moment.  

Here’s how to accumulate frequent flyer points:

1.      Take advantage of introductory offers

If you intend to subscribe to a new credit card, take advantage of introductory offers that include frequent flyer miles just for signing up. Ensure that you understand the rules on earning the promotional miles always read the fine print to avoid being misled. For example, the fine print may say that you have to spend $500 on the card with a specific number of days to earn bonus points. As long you are aware of the rules and have no qualms in adhering to them you are using the offer to your advantage.

 2.              More than one card link-up

If you and your spouse are frequent flyer cardholders, using the card separately will add points to your joint accounts. This is a faster method of earning points.

3.        Frequent purchases with your credit card or more loyalty card swipes

To earn as many flyer points you should use your frequent flyer credit card or patronise the store or supermarket that offer frequent flyer points reward cards. This of course doesn’t mean that you should spend beyond your means but if you need to purchase grocery or other necessary items anyway, using the credit card or getting your loyalty card swiped will earn you points in the long run.

 4.        Spend money with travel nominated partners

Many credit card frequent flyer programs will have partnerships with other nominated businesses such as car rentals, hotels and train companies. By spending money with these retailers and merchants you will earn more points. To earn more points, find out which retailers and merchants are nominated partners with your credit card company and do all of your shopping there.

5.        Travel with nominated partners

If you book your travel through nominated partners you will earn double points. This means that you should book with specific airlines, stay at specific hotels and rent from specific car rental companies. The more you do business with nominated travel partners the more frequent flyer reward points you will earn. In my case, flying with the same airline company sixth times in a row has helped to chalk up 45 000 points which have been eventually put to good use recently.

 6.        Subscriptions that earn bonus points

Many things that require monthly or annual fees like internet access at your house, mobile phone contracts, and cable television often have mileage bonuses associated with them. You’ll need to check with your primary alliance airline store.

7.        Large purchases and loans

Some banks and airlines offer huge frequent flyer bonuses with car loans and mortgages. If you need to apply for a loan anyway, take advantage of loans that both offer the best rates as well as frequent flyer points.  

As you can see, there are many strategies that you can adopt to chalk up your frequent flyer points. Combining a few of the above methods will help you earn more points speedily. Do take note however, not to get too engrossed in accumulating points that have you end up spending more than you should. The rule of thumb is to use your frequent flyer credit cards to your advantage and spend money at participating stores on products you need anyway.    

Turkey has a plethora of activities to offer couples and families as a holiday destination. Its largest city, Istanbul is a major draw for anyone with an interest in history, architecture and culture, and it offers all the trappings of a modern, dynamic international city.

Anyone yearning to soak up some sun and be pampered with fine food and excellent service can acquire that at high quality resorts located around the country. There are dozens of excellent resorts in coastal areas of the country that are tailor-made to ensure visitors get the most of their trips to Turkey, whether they’re feeling adventurous or just looking for some intensive relaxation. Among them are some impressive five star hotels but if you’re travelling with a budget in mind then there are plenty of options available and you’re bound to find the perfect place for your stay.

Turkey’s south-western coastline is among the most popular areas to visit thanks to its renowned beaches, aquamarine waters and breathtaking views. The so-called Turkish Rivera draws tens of thousands of visitors each year and as one of the most beautiful coastal areas around the Mediterranean, it is easy to understand why.

Over to the eastern end of the country you’ll find Turkey’s more mountainous regions that are well worth a visit if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience. Turkey is so vast a country and there is just so much to see and experience that you might feel the need to keep coming back to get a true sense of its true worth.

The sheer scale of Turkey and the fact that it stretches from the edge of Asia and into Europe has helped the locals to establish one of the most varied, interesting and delicious culinary traditions to be found anywhere on earth. Eating is a passion in this part of the world and holidays to Turkey are remembered by many as much for the food as for the sunshine. Another element of everyday life that is taken seriously in Turkey is shopping and more specifically haggling – so you might want to brush-up on your bargaining skills before booking your flight.

Turkey lies outside the Eurozone, which for the most part means that your travel money stretches a little further than it might in other popular holiday destinations around Europe and the rest of the Mediterranean. 

Picture by nataliecaddick

Group buying has become a novel trend in online purchase. With several group buying sites to choose from, consumers have an array of products and services to choose from at the lowest prices. The next time you’d like to go on holiday, check out your local group buying site to see if there are any good offers for accommodation within the country or in neighbouring countries. For example, in Australia, group buying sites like Cudo and LivingSocial offer deals on accommodation in the same state or in other states within Australia or even in neighbouring countries like Fiji and Vanuatu.

What is group buying? It’s a buying concept based on the strength of numbers in which consumers who signed up can secure a deal once the targeted number of consumers who jump on the same deal has been reached. Discounts for available services and products can be as high as 80% so if you intend to save on accommodation, group buying one way you can explore.  

Here are tips on buying a coupon via group buying:

1.         Read the fine print

Before you sign up, read the fine print especially on what is excluded. Airfares are usually excluded in the deal so you have to factor in air fare in your budget. Check to see if daily breakfast is provided and if transportation is provided from the main airport to the island if your intended destination is an island. Also, find out if tax or GST is included in the offer. In addition, find out if there are any complimentary offers for activities at the hotel or destination such as spa or water activities.

2.         Be aware of the expiry date

Find out if the offer allows you ample time to plan your holidays and check in. If you know you can’t take leave from work for the next 6 months in a duration in which the offer expires, it doesn’t make sense to jump on the deal.  

3.         Find out if there are exclusions from booking certain dates

The fine print offers vital information to restricted dates for room booking such on weekends or on public holidays. If you are flexible with your travel dates, group buying is an option to consider to save accommodation cost.

4.         Synchronise with flight availability

Before you jump on the deal, check out if flights are available on possible dates you’d like to check in. There is no point if flights have been booked on particular days that tie in with your intended booking dates especially so if you are planning to take a vacation in the following month.

 5.              Check out room availability on projected dates

If your leave period restricts you from taking a vacation at any time of the current year, check out room availability at the accommodation on offer on your projected vacation dates. Having no available rooms on the dates you intend to take leave from work will be a nightmare if you’d jump on the deal without confirming. On the other hand, you don’t have to panic if the offer expires at the end of next year. There is still plenty of time to confirm availability dates then.

6.                   Shop around

Use group buying comparison sites such as All the Deals to see daily deal accommodation offers from various group buying sites at a glance. This not only saves you time but also allows you to compare deals and the various accommodation available.   

Group buying is a revolutionary buying concept that provides a win-win situation for both businesses and consumers. While businesses get exposure to a wide pool of new audience who may become loyal patrons, consumers gain by making massive savings on their holiday expenses. Consider the 6 above-mentioned tips when you decide to jump on the next accommodation deal.

Have you jumped on such deals before? Feel free to share your experiences.       

Picture by The Vacation Exchange Network

Accommodation may take up the bulk of your travel expenses if you choose to stay in upmarket accommodation. An alternative method to cut down cost is to stay in budget hotels or hostels. An even better way to save is by house sitting in which you don’t have to pay a single cent on accommodation. This means more savings in your wallet. House sitting means living in a stranger’s house and agreeing to maintain the residence while the owner is away. This includes household chores, picking up the daily paper, walking and feeding the dog, taking the trash out, watering the plants and looking after the property. House sitting has become a popular low-cost holiday accommodation alternative in view of the current volatile economy. The difference between house sitting and house exchange is that the former does not involve the swapping of houses. If you don’t own a property to swap, house sitting is an excellent way to explore another state or country on a budget.

Consider the factors below before you decide to house sit:

 1. Clear communication

Ensure you and the homeowner communicate on the same page and ensure that you are clear about what is required of you as a house sitter.  Many homeowners will safeguard themselves against strangers wanting to live on their property by asking for references and background checks. Ensure you have these handy. There should be a lot of communication between you and the homeowner via email, text, Skype or phone to avoid miscommunication or misunderstanding before the house sitting takes place.    

2. Don’t expect too much

Most home owners expect you to pay for the utilities used in their absence and others will request that you do not use their internet, phone or other services. There are some who will ask for a security deposit to ensure that you don’t run away with their small possessions during their absence. Ask the owner if you could use any of the facilities available such as the internet and ensure what is expected of you if you do so.  

3.  Additional supplies and payment for services

It is a good idea to ask the owners to stock up on cleaning and pet supplies before they leave for their holiday. It may be your duty to ensure the house is kept clean and tidy during the owners’ absence but it is not your responsibility to purchase additional supplies other than your own food and drinks and other essentials like toiletries. Any veterinarian and animal medication should be taken care of by the owner.

4.  Black and white

It is imperative for the owners to write out a detailed list of everything required from you during their absence. If you get accused of not doing a particular job you’ll have the list to prove otherwise. On your part, it is your responsibility to perform the duties required of you to the best of your ability. List out any additional duties you have performed during your stay such as repair work on any malfunctioned devices to keep the owner in the loop.  

House sitting can be a fun and inexpensive way to explore another state or country.  Not having to pay for accommodation has its price, though. You have to take responsibility of the owner’s property and ensure that it is properly maintained and all other duties expected of you are performed at your utmost best. House sitting may not be for everyone, but if you really want to turn your dreams into reality by venturing to an exotic place, house sitting may be an attractive option which enriches your experience.