The Great 'What Can You Blag On Holiday' Hunt

MSE_Martin

You've found a Cheap Flight, you've booked a Cheap Hotel and you're about to touch down in your perfect holiday destination.

What I want to know is what are the best things that MoneySavers have blagged on holiday. What are your top tips to get an upgrade, getting the best rooms, bagging extra meals or free excursions?

Click reply to post your top tips.

Martin

DUKE

I barter for my excursions as if my life depends on it, just as we're about to shake on the deal I beg for a little bit more money off. They say that they can't go any lower so they'll throw a free trip in. In Egypt I got a free trip to Banana Island. At the Red Sea I was innocently looking in my purse for change, the man in the shop took it that I hadn't got enough and handed me some back :eek: The people who we booked our trips with in Egypt gave us a t shirt with our names on in hieroglyphics. In Turkey I had a free trip to the turkish baths

saveapenny

Turkey is a good one never just walk in a restraunt...get as many free drinks inc as possible + maybe a free starter if there are plenty in the group

Voyager2002

saveapenny wrote: »

Turkey is a good one never just walk in a restraunt...get as many free drinks inc as possible + maybe a free starter if there are plenty in the group

And never pay for a cup of tea. Just walk into the nearest carpet shop and get one for free!

DUKE

Whenever I got weak and thirsty in Egypt I'd settle myself in a shop to do a bit of barteing - the electricity would be switched on, the chairs would be pulled out, the free drinks, and a nice smoke of the pipe

Lemmy_Caution

DUKE wrote: »

The people who we booked our trips with in Egypt gave us a t shirt with our names on in hieroglyphics.

Are you absolutely sure that they have got something like I'm a big Twit (or something stronger) printed on them?

iain1775

I always find a hotel on a cheap website - alpharooms or similar, then open another browser check if it is a chain, if so join their loyalty club - its always free - but book it at the cheaper rate even if this is not direct, then before going phone or email the hotel direct with a story about having forgotten to quote my loyalty number and they will normally bend over backwards with a room upgrade, fruit basket or something else. Has worked with several chains in the past, recently in Marrakesh got a fruit basket, complimentry water (essential in June in Morocco!) and a pool view superior room from Le Meriden hotel.:T

There is always the 'newly married' angle (helps if you were married within the year even if not your honeymoon) or the similar 'special anniversary' - did this in Cuba and got a room service Champagne breakfast completely gratis. Perhaps not too honest but I find being a bit of cheeky blagging always works!:rotfl:

With excursions I always check the brochures at home find out the local operator (simple internet search) and book direct (the hotel will usually help put you in contact)- this saved us over £100 on safaris in Africa, although you may not be covered for cancellation etc on your travel insurance - check first:beer:

sarah3891

Sorry - forgot to add my holiday blag!!

Flew to NY for my 21st birthday, economy class, but when we got to check in, the flight wasn't full. The lady on the check in desk saw my birthdate in my passport, bumped us up to First class (without telling us which I thought was sweet!!) and gave us two bottles of champagne on board!! There were four of us so this was a really wonderful trip, and something we never could have afforded!!!

More a case of good timing and luck than anything else, but special occasions are always worth mentioning when booking trips etc, just in case!! xxx

DKLS

Excess baggage, If its a female on the counter, I go and flirt like mad, and If I cant get it for free I usually get a discount, But doesnt always work on the way back, as usually they are just agents for the flight company and have no lee way in offering discounts.

Also the jsut married/engaged thing works a treat, had a few free meals/bottles of champers using that one

dmg24

My friend is one of those 'not really famous but very well known' types. Always a surefire way to get upgraded!

funnibunni

went to kenya at easter.....took loads of pairs of socks and old tee-shirts used them to get safaris cheaper when booking with beach boys ....had fantastic time and got rid of tops that no longer fit into the bargain !!!

DUKE wrote: »

I barter for my excursions as if my life depends on it, just as we're about to shake on the deal I beg for a little bit more money off. They say that they can't go any lower so they'll throw a free trip in. In Egypt I got a free trip to Banana Island. At the Red Sea I was innocently looking in my purse for change, the man in the shop took it that I hadn't got enough and handed me some back :eek: The people who we booked our trips with in Egypt gave us a t shirt with our names on in hieroglyphics. In Turkey I had a free trip to the turkish baths