SCHOOLS have begun to break-up for the summer and a mass exodus of families will be jetting off on their holidays in the coming weeks.
But with the cost-of-living still biting, travelling overseas can be tricky for many Scots.
Nevertheless, there are ways to enjoy your hols without going into the red.
Expert Angela Gemmell, 38, manager at Braehead’s Barrhead Travel, today shares her expert tips on how to enjoy your break without breaking the bank.
PAY BEFORE YOU GO
IF you’ve already booked a holiday, it’s best to plan your break in advance as much as possible – and avoid high prices when you get there.
Angela said: “For families, always say set yourself a budget for spending money each day and try not to go over that.
“Book and pay for as much as you can before you go, so if you know the kids love water parks or there’s a trip that you want to go on or some sort of experience, I would always say try to book that with the holiday or before you go – then that’s less money coming out of your spending money when you’re there.”
GO LOCAL
ONE great tip is to avoid falling into the pricey tourists traps – always try to go local whether you’re eating, drinking or shopping.
Angela said: “If you’re self-catering, go to your local supermarket and make some meals like in your apartment, stock up on snacks and drinks too. Eating out for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and drinks all adds up.
“If you are dining out, look for smaller local restaurants that are away from the main tourist areas. And opt for local produce. So if you’re in Spain, for example, try the Spanish beer instead of the Stella, that doesn’t need to be imported so it’s cheaper.”
PACK PLAY THINGS
FORKING out for items to amuse the kid can be extortionate – so always be savvy with what you pack.
Angela said: “Kids love inflatables and toys when they go away, so I would always say recycle them – deflate them and then take it on your next holiday.
“And make sure to pack things to keep them occupied on the aircraft, colouring in pens and paper. They can be used when you get there too as if the kids are in the room and you’re getting ready in the evening or you’re spending some time around the pool, it keeps them busy.
“You will always end up paying a supplement for these type of things overseas.”
BUY BEFORE YOU FLY
ANOTHER thing which can be pricey on hols is medication and sun cream – so Angela says families must stock up and make sure they take out insurance.
She said: “Stock up on toiletries, especially medicines like paracetamol for kids.
“And I would always take more than you think that you need when it comes to sun cream. This can be really quite pricey when you’re out there because they know people need to buy them.
“Meanwhile, be proactive and have adequate travel insurance in place in case of any emergency. It can cost up to £5,000 if you break an arm – not a bill you want to be laded with.”
MONEY MATTERS
WHEN it comes to spending money, it pays to be organised, the expert insists.
She says: “I would always say keep an eye on the currency before, long before you go. We’ve had clients in this week that don’t go until September but the Euro rate is really good so they bought £100.
“If you wait until the day before you go, you’re going to be stuck with the rate. Keep calling into your travel agent to check.
“Also, if you’re using an ATM, take the money out of the local currency. So if you’re in Europe, take it out in Euros. If you take it out in sterling there will be a supplement to pay and you lose out.”
ASK AN EXPERT
ANGELA believes it always pays to ask your local travel agent for help when booking up.
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She said: “The local travel agent because can compare different suppliers and has the knowledge and expertise to find offers and know who’s got a promotion on, who’s got the free child places, who does less under occupancy supplements – get them to do the legwork for you.
“Also, think about the overall cost of your holiday. You can save by going self-catering then need to buy food. It might be cheaper for you to book all inclusive in the long run – you tend to find that the upgrade between all inclusive and bed and breakfast is not actually that much when you’re breaking down per day.”