Holidays can be expensive and we all try to save money when we can. Here are a few tips and ways to save you money on your next holiday.
Ways to Save Money on Travel
One way to reduce the cost of travel is to consider alternative travel options. Flying is quick and sometimes more convenient, however going by train or even coach can be cheaper. If you are travelling to Europe an Interrail ticket can get you unlimited travel with Europe or a Specific country depending on your ticket. Meaning it could save you money on transport while on holiday too.
Be flexible about when you travel. If you don’t have children, avoid the school holidays as many companies inflate their prices during the school holidays. If you need to stick to school holidays, look at travelling on a different day. Travelling midweek tends to be cheaper than travelling on a Friday or at the weekend. Similarly, the cost of travel can vary when it comes to the time you travel. It can be cheaper to get an inconveniently timed trip such as very early in the morning compared to a mid-morning or lunchtime trip.
Ways to Save Money on Accommodation
Don’t assume that comparison sites have all the deals. Sometimes it is cheaper to book direct and not everyone advertises on comparison sites so you may find a hidden gem by shopping around.
We all want our holidays to be luxurious and special but consider what you’re doing on your holiday and how much time you will spend at the hotel. You could save money by using a more basic hotel.
Staying in hostels is a good way to save money on a holiday. Hostels are a lot cheaper than hotels and you get to interact with other people more and make new friends. If you feel nervous about sharing a room with a stranger, you can book a private room.
Shop Around
Although many people will shop around and find a good deal on their holiday, they fail to do the same with other aspects of their holiday. The cost of travel insurance can vary considerably. You should not only shop around for the best company for your needs but also the type of insurance. Sometimes it can be cheaper to buy a yearly insurance policy than a couple of one-off policies.
Many people find it easier to buy their foreign money from their travel agent but shop around. You may find it cheaper somewhere else. Exchange rates vary from day to day so start shopping around early as you may find a good exchange rate months before you travel.
If you are going somewhere out of season, you made end up paying more for your holiday supplies. During the summer months, many shops will have deals on holiday supplies such as sun cream and summer outfits. However these are harder to come by in the winter months and if you are hoping to get away for some winter sun, you can save money by stocking up during summer or the end of summer sales.
Research your location before you go. Many hotels will have leaflets on local tourist attractions but if you research beforehand and plan your trip you can find cheaper places to go or ways of getting a discount. Many tourist attractions offer a discount if you buy online or a discount if you buy a joint ticket for more than one attraction.
The Type of Holiday
Package deals can either save you money or cost you more money. Resort holidays tend to be cheaper with a package deal especially if you go all-inclusive and alcohol is included. Package holidays can also be good deals if they include luggage costs and airport transport. Package holidays are also protected so if your holiday wasn’t able to go ahead, you may get your money back. However, package holidays can be more expensive, particularly with city breaks. Research your holiday and compare what extra cost you would need to pay.
If you are trying to save money, consider holidaying in the UK. Beach holidays, cities breaks, camping and even holiday parks, the UK has it all. With the money you have saved, you can go for longer or treat yourself while you are away.
Hopefully, you can use some of these tips to save you money on your next holiday. Where ever you go I hope you have a fantastic time.