Advantages Of Holiday Comparison Websites

My parents love going away on holidays.

Basking in their post retirement with a tidy sum put away and with children flying away the nest, my parents decided that they are going to spend time away on holidays and made a bucket list. We were happy that they were finally doing something for themselves and encouraged them to make plans. During a routine chat, my mother told me they were travelling with another retired couple for a holiday in Spain.

She seemed pleased about how they stumbled on this “great deal” at their local travel agent's shop. Apparently the deal was for a limited time and to take advantage of it, they had to confirm the booking right away.

Somewhere an alarm sounded in my head. “How much did you pay, Mum?”

She was quite vague about it and said my father had made the payment. However, after getting the details of the package deal, I decided to my own sleuthing and pulled out the holiday comparison websites off the internet.

What I discovered did not come as a total surprise.

There were far better deals on holiday comparison websites right from great discounts to excellent hotels that catered to all kinds of requirements. The deals were even better considering that my parents were travelling during the off peak season. This agent had taken advantage of my parents' naiveté and quoted them a high price for their holiday. It was a total rip off and getting the money back was an uphill task.

But it was worth it.

I decided it was time for some lessons on holiday comparison websites. Standing around me, my parents peered through their glasses at the various websites that filled the screen and unfolded a range of options. They were amazed by what they discovered and were awestruck by the myriad options for accommodation, food and flights that were well within budget.

Although computer friendly, it never occurred them to use the internet for anything other than reading the news or sending mails and e-cards. These holiday comparison websites were a whole new concept to them but it didn't take them long to get hooked to it.

Soon after, I got another call from them. They were leaving for Spain in a week's time.

“Oh, we got this great deal online and have booked the holiday. And by the way, we also discovered some more websites that offer better deals. You should make a note of it and use it for your own searches.”

“Yes, Mum.”

Talk about turning tables.

(Photo courtesy of Tinned Spaghetti)

 
Author Bio: Asha Krishna is an independent author and writes about her experiences in travel, in an attempt to help others book a holiday to meet all their requirements. She often covers areas related to online centre for discount holidays and holiday comparison websites.

Ultimate Guide Of Free Attractions And Things To Do In Malta

Many people do the smart thing and use holiday comparison websites in order to find a great holiday discount. This article is for those interested in discount holidays in Malta, as you will most likely want to stay within a budget and this article will explore the best free attractions and things to do on this wonderful island.

City Gate

First on the list of things to do when on discount holidays in Malta is visiting the renowned city gate. You will experience a buzz when walking over the bridge and wander through the great bastion walls into Valletta. First built back in the mid-16^th century, this has been the main entrance to the city ever since.

Upper Barracca Gardens

Upper Barracca Gardens is a must whilst on discount holidays in Malta. These arcaded gardens open to the public were built by the knights of Malta and embellished by the British. Located on top of Valletta’s vast fortifications, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, which are truly breath-taking. Within the first 5 minutes of wandering through these gardens you will soon appreciate the beauty and every few steps you will see great fountains, sculptures, benches and a wide range of monuments.

Valletta Fortifications Walk

The knights of Malta nearly lost the islands back in 1565 during the Great Siege to the Ottoman Turks and the Valletta was built as a result. What is impressive is this city was built on a rocky peninsula which was barren and surrounded by water. Back then it was renowned to be state-of-the-art military architecture and had the intent to be indestructible. Today, what is left is still impressive and many tourists go to visit the site to take learn about the history and take in the architecture.

Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck

According to both the bible and Maltese tradition, St Paul was shipwrecked in Malta back in 60AD and this is what converted the island to Christianity. Therefore, St Paul plays a major role in Malta’s religious life and this church was built in dedication to the saint's shipwreck and time on this island. Discount holidays to Malta would not be complete without a visit to this impressive building, where you can marvel at the polychrome statue of the saint and general beautiful structure of the church.

Dingli Cliffs

Did you know that the Dingli Cliffs are the highest in the whole of Malta? The rocky top is home to one of Malta’s more unusual sights, known as Clapham Junction and is the islands largest collection of cart ruts that lie in criss cross formation over the rocks. These are mysterious, because nobody knows quite how or why they ended up here. Many experts are still debating whether they were cut deliberately or simply the result of erosion by vehicles over many years.

These cliffs are also ideal for walks because of the stunning views from the cliff edge and the variety of indigenous plants. What is important to bear in mind that when you are packing, make sure you put in a pair of sturdy shoes, because the surface is so rough.

With so much to do and see, if you haven’t yet looked into discount holidays in Malta, use holiday comparison websites today!

(Photo courtesy of  Udo H. Winter)