Press Room: Media Releases

AUCKLAND – 26 February 2009: Purse-strings may have tightened and budgets are already stretched but leading accommodation website

Wotif.com says there has never been a better time for consumers to snag a bargain.

Wotif.com General Manager Brand Megan Magill said a getaway doesn't have to cost a fortune and a short break or a weekend away might just be what you need to escape all the doom and gloom.

“There has been an increase in the number of accommodation deals and travel offers available to consumers and if you combine this with some of our simple money-saving tips, an affordable break is just around the corner,” Magill said.

“One way people are saving is by booking short trips or weekends away more frequently and staying closer to home, rather than spending a larger portion of the budget on one-off luxury holidays or long-haul flights.”  

Magill said being flexible and spontaneous is key to securing a great deal.

“Take advantage of promotional offers which can save you money, like signing up to incentive newsletters so you’re the first to see the latest deals and then let the deals, rather than location, drive your decision, ” she said.

“Keep an eye out for Wotif.com’s ‘flaming deals’ which highlight deals unbeaten online. The truly spontaneous will love a ‘Wot Hotel’ – hotels significantly reduce their rate so much their management won’t allow them to put their name to it, but you’ll find out once you’ve booked.”

“It’s also important to consider what type of accommodation suits your needs – if you’re with kids, self-contained apartments are a great option – and also look into what inclusions come as part of the deal. You can save on parking, meals and entertainment with some hotels’ deals.” 

Wotif.com has more than 13,000 hotels on offer and savings up to 70% so you can start planning your next break now.

Wotif.com’s budget travel tips:

1 – Act quickly
If you see a deal that fits your budget – snap it up!

2 – Be spontaneous
Let the deals, not the location, guide your decision. You might just find a new favourite spot!

3 – Take shorter breaks more often
Load up the car and drive to a nearby location for a weekend away – you can getaway more often.

4 – Be your own travel agent
Avoid paying travel agent commissions by booking your own flights and accommodation online.  Be sure to choose your travel website carefully and book with a company you trust.

5 – Wait for the shoulder or low season
Demand is highest in peak periods and so are the prices. Try going away during the shoulder or low seasons.

6 – Look for added extras
Many hotels add value-packed inclusions to their deals. Complimentary breakfasts, free parking and vouchers to local amusement parks can keep costs to a minimum.

7 – Consider self-contained apartments
With more space and the facilities to cook your own meals, self-contained apartments can save you money. Plus the addition of a laundry also means you can pack less.

8 – Get off the beaten track
Rather than go with the crowd to the popular spots, consider more off-beat destinations like regional areas or choose accommodation that is just outside of the town.

9 – Remember the kids
Use of complimentary tennis courts, swimming pools and playgrounds will keep the kids amused and entertaining costs to a minimum. Often resorts offer Kids Clubs for free or a nominal price.

10 – Take advantage of promotional offers
Wotif.com scours our 13,000 properties to find the best deals each week and email them in a free newsletter to our subscribers. 

We take the hard work out of seeing which are the best deals on our site. Look for:

Flaming Deals: These deals are so hot they deserve extra special attention, so we make it stand out from the crowd by adding flames. You won’t find a better price anywhere else.

Wot Hotel?: Some hotels discount their rooms so much their management won’t let them put their name beside it. Before you book you know location, quality, price and facilities. Then, once booked, we’ll tell you all the details.  You won’t find a better price for this room anywhere else.