Globetrotter guide: Travel deals decoded

The Bank of Saint George (Casa di San Giorgio) in Genoa is shown as a fortified medieval stone building near the port, with large windows and painted historic frescoes. Often described as the world’s first modern bank, it symbolizes early financial governance, public debt management, and Genoa’s role as a major center of trade and finance. *Pic By Jensens - Own work, Public Domain

How Smart Travelers Really Get the Best Prices on Travel

One of the most common questions I’m asked is how to get the best price on travel. The short answer is that great deals absolutely exist, but they reward strategy rather than guesswork.

The biggest misconception is that there is one secret trick that works for every trip. In reality, saving money comes down to understanding how pricing works and choosing the approach that fits how you travel.

Flash Sales: Big Savings, Real Limitations

Flash sales and limited-time promotions can offer excellent value, but only for travelers who are prepared for how they work.

These offers are typically limited to specific dates, destinations, or room categories and are often available in very small quantities. Most importantly, flash deals require an immediate decision and deposit at the moment the offer appears. There is usually no time to think about it, and availability can disappear within minutes or hours.

This is why flash sales work best for travelers who are flexible, decisive, and ready to commit quickly. If you prefer time to evaluate options or need everything locked in before booking, flash deals may not be the right fit—and that is perfectly fine.

For clients who enjoy this style of opportunity, opt-in text alerts are the best way to access true flash deals as soon as they appear. If you would like to receive text notifications for flash deals or very limited promotions that require immediate decisions, just let me know and I will add you to the list.

Cruise Sales Aren’t Always What They Seem

Cruise pricing can feel especially confusing. Brands like Viking are a good example. It often looks like there is a dramatic sale happening all the time, but in most cases the cruise line is shifting value rather than drastically cutting prices.

One promotion might feature a lower cruise fare with higher airfare. The next might raise the cruise fare slightly while offering reduced or included airfare. When you compare total costs, the difference between promotions is often just a few hundred dollars, even though the marketing makes them feel wildly different.

This is why there is always one couple onboard claiming they paid far less than everyone else. What is usually missing from that story are the caveats: a different cabin category, different airfare terms, loyalty perks, onboard booking incentives, or a promotion structured differently. In reality, most guests on the same sailing paid similar overall prices, just packaged in different ways.

Early bird gets the worm.

Early Booking: The Quiet Advantage

One of the most reliable ways to secure strong cruise pricing does not involve waiting at all. It involves booking early.

Many cruise lines, including brands like Explora Journeys, offer early booking discounts a year or more in advance of sailing. These early offers often provide the best combination of price, availability, and cabin choice, especially on popular itineraries.

Waiting for a later promotion does not always mean a better deal, particularly once preferred cabin categories begin to sell out.

Onboard Booking: Often the Smartest Move

Another often overlooked strategy is booking your next cruise while you are still onboard. While this is not guaranteed to be the best option in every situation, onboard booking is frequently the most consistent way to access stacked incentives such as loyalty offers, onboard-only perks, delayed final payment dates, or reduced deposits.

Booking onboard does not mean losing your travel advisor. Once the reservation is made, the booking can be transferred so I can manage everything just like always—from monitoring promotions to handling details and advocating on your behalf.

Saving Big on Flights Without Changing Your Trip

For travelers who want to save money without changing where they are going, airline wholesalers are one of the most powerful tools available, especially for Premium Economy and Business Class flights.

Wholesalers access private fares through bulk purchasing and contracts not available to the public. Many clients have saved thousands of dollars on a single journey while flying the same airline, in the same cabin, on the same aircraft.

It is important to understand that when flights are purchased through a wholesaler, any credit issued in the event of a cancellation is held with the wholesaler rather than directly with the airline. The credit remains usable for future travel, minus an administrative fee. For travelers who do not anticipate canceling and who carry travel insurance that covers flights, the risk is minimal and the savings can be substantial.

The Bottom Line

There is no single best way to save on travel. Flash sales reward flexibility and speed. Early booking rewards planning. Onboard booking rewards loyalty. Wholesale airfare rewards comfort-focused travelers.

The real advantage comes from knowing when each strategy actually works—and when it does not.

If you are planning a trip and want the best value for the way you travel, I would love to help you navigate your options, cut through the noise, and book with confidence. Reach out anytime to start planning, or let me know if you would like to receive text alerts for flash deals and limited-time promotions.