Holiday Deals: How to Find Cheap Flights, Hotels & Packages

Want a great holiday without blowing your budget? Good news: deals are everywhere if you know where to look. This page gives simple, practical steps to find discounts, avoid traps, and book with confidence — whether you’re heading to Cape Town, Zanzibar, or beyond.

Timing and where to look

When you travel matters more than you think. Try shoulder seasons — the months just before or after peak travel — for lower prices and fewer crowds. For Africa, that often means late spring or early autumn in popular beach spots and safaris outside school holidays.

Use price comparison sites and apps as your first stop. Google Flights, Skyscanner and Kayak are great for spotting low fares and flexible date calendars. Don’t forget local sites and low-cost carriers like FlySafair, Mango or Airlink; they sometimes run offers that global sites miss.

Set price alerts for your route. When fares drop, you’ll get a notification and can jump on the deal. Follow airlines and hotels on social media and subscribe to newsletters — flash sales and promo codes often land there first.

Booking smart: money and flexibility

Bundle when it helps. Flight + hotel packages often beat booking each separately, but always check the total price and cancellation terms. If you have airline points or credit card rewards, try combining them with a sale to stretch your budget further.

Be careful with the cheapest fares. Low prices can hide fees for baggage, seat selection and name changes. Do the math before you click buy. A slightly higher fare that includes luggage can be cheaper overall.

Want to be flexible? Search with +/-3 days or use month views to find the absolute lowest price. Midweek departures usually cost less than weekend flights. For hotels, weekday stays can be cheaper in business hubs, while weekend rates fall in resort towns.

Last-minute plans? Look for same-day or app-only deals on hotels and specialized apps for last-minute flights. Sometimes hotels cut prices to fill rooms, and airlines release unsold seats at lower fares.

Family trips need special attention. Look for family packages, room offers that include kids free, and hotels with kitchenettes to save on meals. Book early for school holidays — family rooms sell out fast.

Protect your trip. Pick refundable options if your plans might change and consider travel insurance for cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. Read cancellation and refund rules carefully; they vary a lot.

Watch currency and payment methods. Using the local booking site or local currency can save on card fees. Check if the price shown includes taxes and service charges to avoid surprises at checkout.

Ready to hunt for holiday deals? Start with a clear destination window, set alerts, compare bundled offers, and double-check fees. Small moves — like flexible dates and following an airline on X — can cut hundreds off your trip. Now go find a deal that gets you out the door and into a great holiday.