20th November – Best Time to Buy for Christmas Getaway

Travel search site KAYAK today reveals that the best time to book your Christmas getaway is 20th November.

The site, which compares hundreds of travel sites at once, reveals that based on last year’s data, international flights from the UK booked on Sunday 20th November are on average eight per cent cheaper than the rest November, and nearly a fifth (19%) cheaper than booking in the first two weeks of December.

Unfortunately, for those who planned ahead and have already booked, travellers may have paid up to 28 per cent more by booking in September compared to the ‘best price’20/11/2011 date.

Annie Wilson, UK Managing Director for KAYAK says: “A few years ago it was widely believed that booking at the last minute meant you got the best deal. However, as our data shows, factors such as airlines scaling back on capacity, mean it’s no longer guaranteed that this is the case, leaving some people stung with few options and a pricey ticket close to Christmas.”
“To get the perfect price balance when planning a trip, there are a few basic tips:

1) Research – Speak to friends, experts and look at prices from the year before. Ask when would you like to book? Is this the best time to get the right deal?

2) Set up price alerts – KAYAK.co.uk has price alerts, so when you search flights, holidays or car hire, you have the option of receiving email alerts on the changing costs and best deals. This can help track the cost, so you can pounce when you think the price is right.

3) Do what works for you – Christmas can be stressful time which is why some people would rather buy in advance than be sure they have the best deal. If this is you, buy when you want and instead concentrate on enjoying the festivities!”

FACTFILE:
KAYAK provide free web and mobile services to help people find and manage their travel. Their search tools compare information from hundreds of travel sites at once, including supplier websites and online agencies. Their travel management service (www.KAYAK.com/trips) allows users to easily consolidate booking receipts from different travel sites into one simple itinerary. They have local websites in fourteen countries including US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, India and Spain, and they operate swoodoo, Germany’s leading travel search site. They also offer free mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, and BlackBerry.

For more information/creative images, please contact
Claire Lawson

Golfing holidays in Germany

Frankfurt is the largest city in the federal state of Hesse, a region which known for its golf courses that attract golfers from all over the world. Set in stunning landscapes including river valleys, water reservoirs and forests this region boasts Germany’s first golf society, The Wiesbadener Golfclub e.V founded in 1893 by Scottish and Englishmen.

There are 50 golf courses to choose from, many being close to Frankfurt, plus some of Hesse’s other tourist regions such as Rhön, Taunus and Odenwald. One of the closest to the city is the Frankfurter Golf Club e.V (www.fgc.de) set in an estate of 63 hectares and host of the German Open 12 times.

The German Travel Centre (020 8 429 2900) can organise three night packages to Frankfurt from £279 per person including flights and accommodation.

Say Cheers at Oktoberfest 17 September – 3 October 2011

This year is the 178 Oktoberfest (www.oktoberfest.de/en/) – the festival of festivals for lovers of beer in Munich. As well as the 14 beer tents and the chance to drink copious amounts of beer, Oktoberfest also features many food stalls, cafes and a variety of entertainment, including two new rides this year. The ‘Rio Rapidos’ is a rafting ride for the whole family that goes down rapids and turning 360 degrees and the ‘Monster’ that is a new XXL swing that goes up to 40 metres and rotates around its axis while doing so.

The festival will feature a ‘nostalgic’ area as well after the success of this theme last year that includes a traditional style beer tent, music and folklore singers.

Let German Travel Centre (020 8 429 2900) take you to the action this year with a three night package to Munich up for grabs from £279 per person including flights and accommodation.

Capture the Christmas Spirit this year in Berlin 21 November – 24 December 2011

Germany is well-known for its fantastic Christmas Markets that take place in most large cities in November and December. One of the largest takes place in Berlin with over 50 different Christmas markets throughout the city. Thousands of visitors are drawn every year, tempted by the seasonal aroma of mulled wine, baked cinnamon stars and many stalls sending all kinds of unique handicrafts.

Berlin is also a great place to visit for its other sightseeing options including the fascinating Checkpoint Charlie Museum, the iconic Brandenburg Gate and of course parts of the Berlin Wall that remain standing, as well as its great pub and club life.

German Travel Centre (020 8 429 2900) are offering three night breaks to Berlin from £279 per person in November 2011 including flights and accommodation.

For information on any of the above offers and reservations call the helpful staff at the German Travel Centre on 020 8 429 2900 or visit www.german-travel-uk.com