Trade Secrets: The Best Time of Year for Long-Haul Bargains
November 20, 2010 Travel Trade Secrets
Long haul holidays at this time of year are about as cheap as they get. Clever holidaymakers do their Christmas shopping in the tropics and head back refreshed and relaxed in time for the big day…
Christmas in the Caribbean is packed, but there’s a lull in the weeks preceding the big day. People would rather be thinking about Christmas shopping than lazing on a tropical beach, meaning that tour operators are left with piles of packages they need to sell off cheap – very cheap. Almost every year, prices on December packages plummet as their departure date nears. This means you can often grab a luxury, long haul holiday for the same price you’d normally pay for short haul. This is the Caribbean at its most affordable. It makes perfect sense to go at this time of year too: It’s highly likely that the weather will be dry (rainy season is May to November and temperatures rarely drop below 30 degrees year-round) while Britain, of course, is cold and wet. This is arguably the best time to go to the Caribbean. Savvy holidaymakers spend the lead-up to Christmas relaxing in the sun and return relaxed, laden with duty free gifts and ready for the big day. A perfect opportunity to combine a Christmas shopping break with a winter sun holiday.
Reader Deal – 14 nights all-inclusive from £599
Hays Travel have hundreds of special late deals on long haul holidays this December. For great value, ask for The Dominican Republic or Cuba. Available for a fraction of their normal price are holidays to Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica and other Caribbean destinations.
The 4* Riu Merengue hotel is part of the popular Riu chain. It shares a stunning, seafront location with its sister hotels, the Riu Mambo and the Riu Bachata, in Bahia Maimon on The Dominican Republic’s north coast. There’s entertainment for all the family and an on-site kids’ club too. This is a hotel that people love and return to time after time and it’s easy to see why: The 24 hour all-inclusive package is generous and includes use of the facilities of the sister hotels, various water sports, multiple dining options and use of the gym. Other features include a spa, casino and a ‘Caribbean Street’ lined with shops.
Depart Gatwick on 30th November and spend 14 nights All Inclusive at the Riu Merengue from £599 per person, based on two sharing a standard room and including flights, transfers, 20kg luggage and in-flight meals. That works out at less than £43 per person, per night - including food, drink, accommodation, entertainment and return airfare! Compare that with the spending money you would take on a European self-catering holiday and it’s easy to see why it’s a very savvy choice. To book, click here or call 0800 408 4130.
Price is correct at the time of posting, but subject to availability and change. Other depature airports, dates, durations and destinations are available.
Picture this - the beach at Bahia Maimon.
