It is that time of the year where brands and consumers alike gear up for the biggest sale event of the year. Black Friday!
Falling on November 26, the Friday after the American holiday of Thanksgiving, and signalling the start of the holiday season, the term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s when police officers were frustrated about traffic and congestion caused by holiday shoppers taking advantage of discount prices. However, retailers rebranded it to show their profits from the high number of sales and being in the “black” financially. This shopping craze has gained popularity worldwide as over that period you can get great discounts on a wide range of products and services.
With borders to our favourite destinations now open, you may be looking to shop around for a holiday package over Black Friday, but how can you be sure you will get a great travel deal?
We have 5 top tips that will make sure you nab that perfect holiday package over Black Friday!
Do your research
It is never advisable to head into a sale without doing your research and with the rush that comes with Black Friday it’s better to face it armed with all your facts. What is important, in this new normal, is to first do your research in terms of the destination you are wanting to travel to, in order to know what the vaccination entry requirements and health and safety protocols are. In terms of holiday packages, one of the best ways to stay informed is to sign up to the email lists of the travel brands you are considering. Also take the time to actively follow them on social media for exclusive deals and promotions. That way you will be sure to be first to know of any upcoming offers.
Make a budget and stick to it
We haven’t been able to enjoy holidays for a while and a Black Friday sale is the perfect time to spoil yourself to an amazing getaway without paying full price. As with any purchase, it’s important to have a budget. This might be an obvious fact, however there is an air of panic-buying over Black Friday which may make it tempting to throw caution to the wind. However, knowing what you want and how much you are willing to pay for a holiday will ensure you do not have buyer’s remorse thereafter. Travel operators like Club Med that offer all-inclusive packages which include accommodation, food, beverages and all activities and entertainment, are a great option as everything you need for an amazing holiday is included in the price and there are no hidden costs thereafter. All-inclusive options are great for travel any time of year, and taking advantage of them for your Christmas or New Year holidays will ensure you have a festive season unlike any other!
No need to panic buy
Relax. Yes, there might be temptation to book that holiday on Black Friday itself, but it is important to realise that Black Friday deals do not end on Black Friday. There is no need to make your purchase on that very day. Most brands usually continue offering discounts for a few days if not weeks thereafter so take your time.
Read and understand the fine print
This is an important one after the pandemic of 2020 and the subsequent changes people had to make to their holiday plans. Before you get caught up in the amount of savings you could make on a holiday package or flights, take time to read the fine print of the terms and conditions. Should you not be able to travel, it is important to know what to expect in terms of refunds and cancellation policies.
Clear out those cookies!
Online booking hack! When it comes to flights for your great holiday deal, websites can detect previous visits and your browsing patterns from your cookies and are able to, with data points and internal records, have an idea of how interested you are in the flight – which always results in higher amounts being quoted due to higher “demand”. To navigate around this dynamic pricing, take time to clear your cookies or use an incognito window to privately browse before you book your flight.
It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of great savings on a holiday package. Taking these tips into account will not only ensure you nab a great Black Friday deal, but also enjoy an amazing getaway with the people you love and missed!
