The summer holiday season is fast approaching, and whether you’ve been organised and booked your getaway months in advance or are a last-minute planner, UK airports will soon be bustling with eager travellers.
While many have already secured their summer breaks, Fred Harrington, CEO of discount site Bountii, has compiled a handy list of 10 money-saving tips to help Brits make the most of their holidays this year.
From choosing the best time to travel to deciding how to spend your time abroad, Fred’s advice covers a variety of topics.
1. Opt for off-peak travel times.
This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s worth noting that during school holidays, a trip to a sunnier climate can cost around £746 for a family of four. So, if you can manage to escape in June before the schools break up, or even better, plan your holiday for after they return in September, you could save a significant amount.
Plus, less popular destinations often offer cheaper options than their more touristy counterparts. For those with children who still want to enjoy a budget-friendly getaway, the last week of August is typically 15.5% cheaper than the average holiday period.
2. Take advantage of coupons and discounts.
Booking sites are often keen to work with customers and many offer fantastic discounts and coupons that can save you a pretty penny. While not every coupon is applicable to all holidays, it’s worth making use of these when possible.
For instance, a pricier holiday could see you saving more than on a cheaper one, potentially allowing you to secure your dream getaway at a massively reduced cost. Another tip is to remain flexible with dates and specific areas within your destination, as this could lead to further savings.
3. Make the most of comparison websites.
Comparison websites are a holidaymaker’s best friend, aiming to secure you the best, cheapest deal available. Whether you’re after hotels, flight prices or even package holidays, websites like Booking.com and Trivago compare all prices to get you the best deal.
If you’re solely looking for flights, Skyscanner has become a popular site for affordable fares. Or for those needing to sort out travel insurance, websites like Go Compare and Compare the Market offer some great deals.
4. Think about an all-inclusive package holiday.
While it may not initially seem like it, sometimes all-inclusive holidays can be a slightly cheaper option. Although dining out at local restaurants is a wonderful way to sample the local cuisine, it can sometimes turn out to be a more expensive way to holiday.
Not all holidays offer all-inclusive so you may need to shop around a bit until you find the perfect one. And while you might not explore as much, you certainly won’t be stressed trying to decide where to eat.
5. Pack light and avoid paying for luggage.
If you’re travelling with children you often can’t get away with just carry-on luggage but if you can you will be saving a good chunk of money and many airlines do offer free underseat or even overhead luggage options. All airlines are different so prices will vary and what there is on offer will also depend on who you’re flying with.
But if you do need to take a hold bag then pack as light as you possibly can, taking just what you need rather than multiple different outfits for each day. Write a detailed list of everything you need, save space by rolling clothes and taking travel size toiletries.
6. Opt for free and low-cost activities.
Everyone loves an adventurous activity like jet skiing or snorkelling from time to time, but they’re not the most cost-effective activities. Places like museums, galleries and cultural landmarks all tend to be free and are a brilliant ways of learning a bit more about the place you’re visiting.
Or if you fancy something a little different, boat trips and tours are also relatively low cost.
7. Choose walking over driving.
Another tip that might seem obvious, but hiring a car while on holiday can be quite costly, particularly when most destinations popular with Brits are easily navigable on foot. Not only is it more cost-effective, but you also get to exercise and absorb more of your surroundings. If you need to travel further, most places offer affordable public transport options.
8. Cook some meals during your holiday.
If you’ve not opted for an all-inclusive package but your accommodation has self-catering facilities, cooking a few dinners is another excellent way to save money. While you may want to make the most of your holiday and not cook, you can still enjoy local cuisine by shopping at a local supermarket and preparing meals with local ingredients.
9. Bring your own entertainment.
Having something to keep you entertained is crucial. Although many holiday accommodations have TVs, they’re often not the easiest to operate. So, if you want to watch TV, why not bring a tablet or laptop? For those who prefer a games night, cards or small portable board games are perfect for enjoying on your balcony.
10. Make sure you’re fully insured to avoid extra charges.
Securing travel insurance is crucial when jetting off abroad, as it provides a safety net should anything go awry. It’s also wise to ensure you have a valid GHIC card, which could grant you access to state healthcare in certain countries at the same cost as local residents.