As one of the biggest and most wonderful citiesin Australia,here are some easy tips on how you can search for the best deals on flights and accommodation in Brisbane:
1. Flights
(i) Start Online
When it comes to flights, searching online is a great place to start – you’ll be able to review a complete list of flight dates and times, and you’ll often be able to compare pricing. Webjet, for instance, is a useful comparison site that will allow you to collate flights from a range of airlines.
The major airlines operating in Brisbane include Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar and Tiger. Other major airlines will also conduct regular international flights in and out of Brisbane, flying to countries such as New Zealand, Fiji, Singapore, and even the Middle East.
You will be able to find a range of other smaller carriers too that operate between Brisbane and other regional destinations throughout Queensland and Australia.
(ii) Try the Gold Coast
If you need a flight on a specific date and time but can’t find a flight straight into Brisbane, you can also consider searching for flights that arrive in Coolangatta, on the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is approximately 40 minutes to an hour’s drive from Brisbane and offers an excellent alternative if you are on a tight schedule.
You can then catch the Airtrain from the Gold Coast to Brisbane for around $30 for a single journey (approximately four services run per hour). If you have money to spare, taxis are also an option.
2. Accommodation
(i) Review Your Budget
There is a huge range of accommodation options in Brisbane, from 5-star hotels and luxury boutique hotels to cheaper motels and inns and affordable backpacker hostels. You will need to review your budget and your travel purpose when deciding which accommodation option is going to be best for you.
Those looking for a holiday treat, for example, might most enjoy a luxurious 5-star resort experience, while business travellers can sometimes be more comfortable in a serviced Brisbane apartment or a smaller hotel.
(ii) Research Online
If you have the time, researching your accommodation options online is highly useful too and will give you the chance to look up hotel locations, compare pricing and search for reviews. You can also save money by booking online (some hotels will offer you a discount for booking online) or opting for rooms that are non-refundable, assuming your travel dates are locked in.
If you don’t have the time to conduct your own hotel research, a travel agency will be your best bet – they will be able to recommend reputable hotels andtake care of the bookings for youas well. Note, however, that some travel agencies may charge you an extra booking fee.
(iii) Further Tips
- If you use a comparison site, double-check the hotel’s main website to see if booking directly through them will be cheaper; you could also consider asking them if they will match better prices offered by third-party sites.
- Consider choosing a hotel room at a refundable rate if your trip is not entirely confirmed and/or faces the possibility of being cancelled; this is often good practice for business travellers whose travel plans can sometimes change at the last minute.
- Make sure you invest in travel insurance for your trips. Travel insurance in Australia is easily findable, and selected insurance packages will include cover if you happen to book a non-refundable room but then need to cancel it due to a change of plans.
