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Late holiday rental - can you negotiate?

Hi all

Myself and my wife are looking to do a cheap week away later this summer and I planned to find some cheap flights and then search for a rental (within a week of when we go) and negotiate price. Is that okay etiquette wise?!

I imagine most will be booked so im risking minimal choice!

Any other advice for ways to get a cheap deal appreciated. We did consider just going to the airport and book there on the day.

How do travel agents work? If they dont sell a holiday is that money down the pan? Would they rather sell it really cheap than not at all?!
I've just started entering the competitions (July 07). When I win I'll update this signature. Look on the bright side, I shouldn't have to update it very often.

Comments

  • Andypandyboy
    Andypandyboy Posts: 2,472 Forumite
    I think it depends on where you are going. If you go to somewhere which has a lot of rentals then you obviously stand a better chance. Also, if it is still school holidays it will be harder.

    If you go to Greece for example, it is common to just hop off a ferry and find accomodation - owners often wait by the ferry stops, and I imagine it will be even easier now with the state of the Greek economy. For other places you would need to do your research. Pick a place and look at websites such as Owners Direct check the number of rentals and go for one which looks over supplied.

    The last week in August is usuall quieter as parents prefer earlier in the summer holidays rather than the last week.
  • Pollycat
    Pollycat Posts: 36,231 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Savvy Shopper!
    lawtz04 wrote: »
    Any other advice for ways to get a cheap deal appreciated. We did consider just going to the airport and book there on the day.

    Don't do this.
    The days of turning up at the airport and getting on a plane going anywhere are long gone.
    lawtz04 wrote: »
    How do travel agents work? If they dont sell a holiday is that money down the pan? Would they rather sell it really cheap than not at all?!
    Some travel agents/tour operators do reduce holidays but in my experience package holidays tend to go down until they get bookings and then go back up again nearer the departure date.

    Of course, if you're going over school holidays your options may be limited.

    As for negotiating a cheaper deal on accommodation, the worst they can do is say 'no'.
  • richardw
    richardw Posts: 19,470 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Do you just like negotiating?
    Or do you want a rental that's already cheap, cheaper?
    Posts are not advice and must not be relied upon.
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