where to look for travel deals?

[admin0]

Hi,

I am planning to go out of Singapore during the Chinese new year.
Where do I start looking for travel/package deals?

Is there any websites or agents that you have used/prefer where I can browse the packages online ? Google search turns up a lot, but I more interested to know the ones some of you have used before and would prefer it for the next time.

Someone recommend me to take a look at zuji.com.sg while others warned not to use it, so need recommendations.

Thanks

[amiee40]

Hi
Most travel agent websites that i have encountered is quite informative but however, they are bad in replying to emails.

I booked a Shanghai tour for my mum through 5 star travel located at People's complex in Chinatown. Quite reasonable depending on where you want to go. 5 star is ok for asia travels.

I am euroasian and i speak fluent mandarin, and i get crappy service. Perhaps as a westerner, you probably get better service at travel agents.

[ching]

I usually check Tiger and JetStar first to look for sales on airfare.

Then call a couple of travel agencies to check out their packages and compare. A lot of times the packages are cheaper, but sometimes you can get REALLY good deals on airfare which makes it worth doing your own bookings.

For example - I think if you book now for travel from Feb to April, both Tiger and Jetstar will give you two-for-one seats, available for several destinations.

The NATAS travel fair is also a good place to compare offers if you don't mind crowds and can plan ahead. Know what you want before you go though.

Good luck!

[Girl_Next_Door]

Most of the places for CNY are either sold out, or the prices are quite high now. Can you take a couple of days off from work? If you can, flights from Tiger, Jetstar and Airasia are still quite cheap if you leave Wed/Thur (i.e. take Wed, Thurs n Friday off) and return on Monday.

If you can only leave on Sat - Tuesday, the prices seems really high now. Alternatively, you can do a road trip, i.e. rent a car and drive up to Malaysia.

Might be useful if you give us an idea of what sort of vacation you are looking for.

Personally, I am booked to Phuket, and leaving on Thursday, back on Monday. I am only paying $210 for flight tickets.

[Ram08]

try:

airfares.com.sg

I generally use this site if I am not travelling budget airlines like Tiger or jetstar etc......happy hunting

[deguk]

www.viasingapore.com is pretty good for checking out cheap flights

[smashme1984]

Airfares and Zuji are places you wanna plan your own holidays, it is recommended if you know your stuff / are a seasoned backpacker or street smart, those who advised against it probably did'nt have much experience doing their own travel planning thus had a bad experience, lots of DIY, finding your best deals etc. The rest mentioned are the bigger agencies that do not care much about you cos they have way too many clients walking in like a diners.

I recently did a package with STA travel, they do special holidays, like working holidays, conservation work, student groups, youth groups (you must be under 25) etc. Tehy have good deals too. Check them out

[smashme1984]

Bearing good news, a friend of mine has set up a travel agency, and has approached me to help recommend clients his way! Anyway, I can help out to book 4-5 star hotels at almost half the price, about two hundred dollars a night for a twin room, if you're travelling in a pair, split that by half even.. Let me know if anyone's interested!