Travel packages and discounts: Book your summer holiday before rates climb

Locking in now will help in ensuring that your budget doesn't get disturbed in case the dollar surges

With summer holidays in schools and colleges just about a month and a half away, it is time you started planning your vacation, especially if you wish to take wings to an international destination this year. While March may appear early, you can get hefty discounts by firming up your plans at this stage. Travel companies and agencies are offering early bird discounts going up to 40 per cent.
 
In India vacationing during the summers normally begins in April. Bookings peak once schools and colleges close down. The summer vacationing season lasts until early August, as many people also plan their annual holidays around this time of the year.
 
Popular destinations: With growing affluence, demand for foreign destinations is on the rise. According to a report from Cleartrip, bookings for foreign destinations are up 40 per cent this season despite an overall increase in rates by an average of 6 per cent. "As the peak holiday season approaches, booking numbers are expected to rise further," says Balu Ramachandran, head of air & distribution, Cleartrip.
 
Bookings for destinations like San Francisco, Singapore and Denpasar (Bali) have doubled compared to last year. Toronto and Paris are witnessing huge demand and have joined the ranks of top destinations this year. Thailand, Germany, Greece, Scotland, Austria, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New York and Dubai are also popular with Indian travellers. Japan, Hawaii, Kenya, Canada, Poland, Costa Rica, Croatia, and Morocco are other destinations that are now beginning to appear on vacationers' radar screens.  
 
Early birds get rewarded: Planning your holiday early can get you better discounts and attractive package deals. Travel agencies are currently offering 20-40 per cent discounts to early birds. Another advantage of booking early is that you can lock-in prices now, and avoid falling prey to fluctuating exchange rates.
 
Flight fares depend on factors such as distance, destination, time, and most importantly, demand. If the demand for a destination surges, the flight rates for it rise. “The international routes that are famous tend to see higher demand and hence are marginally more expensive,” says Manheer Singh Sethi, co-founder, Travkart. Flight fares tend to be higher in July than in April and June.
 
Even if you book now and are forced to cancel at the last minute for some reason, travel agencies often agree to change your travel dates and sometimes even offer alternative destinations.   
 
Short-haul and value holidays are witnessing significant uptake this summer holiday season. Discounts are also available on packages that include outdoor activities, such as trekking, skiing, mountaineering, and so on. “We are doing our best to cater to the new age traveller's desire for immersive travel experiences,” says, Rajeev Kale, president and country head-leisure travel, Thomas Cook India.