2018 announces itself as a year with many opportunities for the traveling Belgians. Tour operator Neckermann / Thomas Cook collected a few tips for the Belgian tourist with whom he can save hundreds of euros or simply spend longer holidays. Those who choose smartly can do golden business.
Double your vacation by planning smartly.
The Belgian has an average of 26.7 days' holiday per year. For many people that means tight plans to get the maximum out of it.
Did you know that the summer vacation for students in 2018 takes 3 days longer than in 2017? This is because June 30 falls on a Saturday, just like September 1. Those who aspire to a long-term stay and plan their departure or arrival in the weekend can therefore even take one week longer vacation, as the tour operator calculated, because the summer vacation now spans 9 weeks instead of 8 weeks last year.
Parents with school-age children who want to get out on the first Saturday of the school holiday can therefore already leave in June, so that they can stay out of peak season and the large number of tourists. In France, for example, the big holiday starts only on 7 July 2018.
Those who want to get away from it for the summer months can take advantage of the favorable holiday calendar for the month of May. Traditionally, this is the month with many holidays (Labor Day, University of Amsterdam Ascension Day, Whit Monday). This year they also fall on favorable days. Thus the Day of Labor falls on a Tuesday and O.L.H. Ascension on a Thursday, as a result of which you only have to hand in 8 days of leave for 16 days of vacation. At that time the weather conditions are ideal for a visit to Morocco, the Greek or Canary Islands, with temperatures fluctuating between 20 and 30 degrees. In this way you also avoid the bustle of the summer months and you can catch interesting events.
Book early
Those who book their summer holiday 2018 before 7 January can book an early booking discount of hundreds of euros. Incidentally, the early booker gets a 'best price guarantee' at the time of early booking and even up to several weeks of departure. You also retain a lot of flexibility: at Neckermann you can re-book your trip for free up to 4 weeks before departure.
Travel in low season
It is an open door that makes it cheaper to travel in low season. Another advantage is that you avoid the flow of tourists and make better connections with the world and the local population.
Do not stay home for the World Cup
Not a die hard football fan who does not want to miss a match? Be sure to keep an eye on the super deals that have traditionally become available on the market just during the World Cup. In 2018 this is the period from 14 June to 15 July.
Take a flight that leaves in the afternoon or evening
Morning flights are still the most popular, but for those who like to save on their flight, the tour operator recommends booking a flight that leaves later in the day, for example in the afternoon. That way you also get much more out of your last holiday, because you do not have to leave in the morning.
See more in less time
Why not combine multiple destinations in one trip? In addition to the classic cruise formulas, many other smart combinations are possible to see more places in one go. This way you can fly to Crete and from there visit Mykonos and Santorini. You can taste both Turkish and Greek atmosphere by combining Bodrum and Kos, with the ferry only 4 hours apart. The same applies to Rhodes and Dalaman (Turkey), where you connect to the ferry in just 2h30.
Sold at your holiday destination
In Madrid, the wintersolden last until March 31, which is 2 months longer than in Belgium! And in the Canary Islands you can continue to shop tax-free and the summer summers start in June. That way you earn back a piece of your travel money.