When it comes to booking a ski holiday, especially in the current economic climate, people find themselves wondering whether an early bird deal or last minute ski deal would give them a better bargain. At the end of the day it really is either it is the super organised or super un-organised who benefit. Booking early can work well but only if you are really organised, ideally you would have to be thinking of next season’s ski holiday before this one has really got underway. Operators get better deals which they pass onto the customer if they book early but you have to place your bets on snowfall. That said, if you need to go away at a certain time go for an early bird deal.

Extremely discounted prices

You can gain large discounts on ski holidays by grabbing a last minute ski deal online and normally there is a good choice of destinations and packages so finding one to suit your budget can be fairly easy. The majority of ski holiday discounts are for catered ski chalets; operators have committed to the chalet for the whole season and will therefore want to sell the beds. As it gets closer and closer to the departure date any money an operator gets for a holiday is a bonus and therefore is likely to be hugely discounted.

Suits those on a budget or who can’t afford to put down a deposit months in advance

Last minute ski deals can be a really good way of getting a great deal on a ski holiday especially for those who are on a budget. If you are someone who likes to save up money so you know exactly how much you have to spend, a last minute ski deal could be right up your street and any money left over after purchasing your holiday can either go on extras or back into the bank for next year’s ski holiday.

You can be on the slopes within hours of booking your ski holiday

The theory is that you should be able to book a late ski deal the same morning or night before you wish to leave which is well suited for those who don’t like having to wait for their holiday. For some people it may be seen as a less stressful option to book your holiday a few days before you leave, although for the very organised this could seem disastrous. Many of the resorts in France are just a few hours away from the UK so are perfect for a quick getaway.

Watch snow reports so you get some of the best snow

If you are able to book a last minute ski holiday you can ensure you go to a resort that has good snow conditions. As long as you keep an eye on snow reports your choice can be based on where the best snow is falling.

If you head off on a camping trip and your vehicle is involved in an accident or a fire, most of your personal belongings should be covered by your car insurance. Car insurance should also offer financial compensation if your car is broken into and your belongings are stolen en route.

When packing your car for a trip to the great outdoors, it is worth knowing which of your possessions are included in your car insurance. Whilst camping you could be carrying expensive equipment, including tents, sports gear or holiday wear. Whilst car insurance will cover most personal belongings, some items (such as money, phones, tickets and stamps) aren’t usually included in car insurance policies. You should check with your provider to be sure.

Most car insurance companies don’t pay out for business supplies either, so if you keep samples or tools in your car for this purpose, it is worth removing them before you make your camping trip. Minimising the amount of luggage you take can also help you to pack your car safely.

However full your car is, make sure you have a clear view through the rear view mirror as driving without a good view of the road can increase your chances of being involved in an on-road collision.

The maximum amount auto insurance firms pay out for a single incident of theft varies from one car insurance provider to another. Cheap car insurance will probably offer more limited cover.

Motor insurance can also offer financial protection if your car is broken into during the journey. However, your car insurance quote may stipulate certain conditions; they may only offer you cover if all the entry points to your vehicle are locked, including the boot and the sunroof. They may also need to confirm the location of all your sets of car keys before they can validate your car insurance claim.

As the state of the economy worsens and more people are feeling the pinch, camping is becoming an increasingly popular holiday choice. According to the Office for National Statistics, 5.43 million camping trips were made last year. That’s an increase of 20 per cent on 2009’s figures. In fact, for the first time campsites have overtaken bed and breakfasts, which attracted 4.98 million stays in the UK.¹

Whether you go back to basics or choose a more extravagant option for your camping holiday, your belongings should be protected by your car insurance.

[1] – www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/7918737/More-people-camping-than-staying-in-BandBs.html

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