UK holidaymakers with sights set on summer hotspots like Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy are being advised to think twice about the traditional week-long or fortnightly breaks. Travel guru Karen Williams of Eurocamp suggests a more flexible approach could lead to significant savings.
She explained: “There are lots of holiday providers which don’t have fixed departure or arrival days, so you can have complete flexibility over your travel dates.”
“Have a play around with the length of your trip by a few nights either way and if you’re flying, choose a duration that allows you to get the best flight prices.” Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
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Williams also highlighted alternative transport options as a way to cut costs: “Whether it is putting the family in the car and hitting the motorways for a cross-country road trip, or opting for rail travel, looking for different modes of transport can get you some serious savings.”
To further drive down expenses, Williams recommends sharing accommodation costs. “A great tip is to split the cost of your accommodation with your mates or nearest and dearest as this can save you a fortune,” she said, reports Bristol Live.
“Holiday homes are perfect for this, allowing you to book accommodation for a fixed price, not per person,” Williams added.
Travel expert Ms Williams has shared some savvy advice for those looking to make the most of their holiday budget. She recommends considering less conventional durations for your getaway, such as avoiding the typical two-week, seven-day, or 10-day breaks.
This strategy could lead to substantial savings on both flights and accommodation.
“Looking at earlier or later in the season can help to keep costs down,” she advised. For families with children, Ms Williams suggests targeting the final weeks of the school holidays leading up to September, which are often less expensive than peak times.
Ms Williams also highlighted the importance of choosing the right destination for the time of year: “When travelling during these months, think carefully about the destinations. If you’re looking for sunshine, southern Europe is slightly hotter than more northern regions so you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors even during off-peak months.”
In terms of dining, Ms Williams offered a tip for enjoying local cuisine without breaking the bank: “You don’t need to go out to enjoy a good, filling meal and instead taste some local delicacies from the comfort of your own holiday home. You can even pack and bring your own food to your holiday home to ensure that the kids have all their favourite snacks.”
For those who like to plan ahead, Ms Williams had this to say: “For the super organised, many travel providers will be bringing out their 2024 holidays over the coming months, so keeping an eye out for these can also help you save for next year too.”
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