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A summer holiday abroad can be expensive, and it may take time to save the money to pay for it. It’s easy to see how it might be difficult for a family to find the money for a summer break when the average cost per person for a holiday is £855
Here are our top tips to keep prices down...
Shop around
Going for the first deal you see may not always be the best option. Instead looking around different websites for deals on hotels or flights could save you money. Comparison websites like Skyscanner, Trivago or Expedia will compile deals from multiple websites for you, so you can see everything all in one place. It’s also a good idea to check these prices on the hotel or airline’s own website as it may be cheaper to go through them directly.
Go last minute
If you have the luxury of taking a week off work without much notice, then you can sometimes get some cheap deals by going last minute.
If you’re flexible when it comes to your destination, then you can go for the break that works for your budget.
If you’ve got time off booked already and no plans it’s always worth checking to see if there are any holiday deals for a super last minute break.
Stay for a shorter time
Most holiday packages last for either 7, 10 or 14 nights. But these don’t have to be your only options.
Depending on how you book your holiday you could go away for the time that suits your budget. This could be a few nights or a little short of two weeks.
If you book your flights and hotel separately then you could look for a period that works out cheaper or within your budget.
Pack light
Whether or not you have to pay for your baggage will depend on your flight package details.
Some airlines may charge you more for each extra bag you bring, and some may charge per kilogram.
If you’re able to take a reasonable sized hand luggage bag for free then this may be enough if you’re going on a short break.
Make sure you only pack the essentials and it could save you from having to pay for the extra weight.
Use up your toiletries
Depending on how long you’re going away for will depend on what toiletries you’ll be taking and how many of them.
You may want to buy things like toothpaste and deodorant at the airport once you go through security, or once you reach you destination. Both options will help to reduce your baggage weight.
If you’re looking to save money though you might be better off using up what you already have.
Buying new toiletries just for a week-long holiday can be expensive. But taking what you already have in the cupboard or even half open ones won’t cost you a penny.
Take advantage of free entertainment
Entertainment, along with food and drink is what costs the most when on holiday. If you’re traveling with children try and take advantage of any free entertainment for them at the hotel you’re visiting.
If you’re going on a city break why not research some of the free events and activities to do before you go. Most cities will have iconic landmarks and sites to see.
Keep your currency
Or exchange it back. Almost £1 billion is spent at airports every year by UK holidaymakers looking to ‘get rid’ of their foreign currency.
This might sound like a good way to get last minute gifts for friends and family, or even to treat yourself.
But saving your currency for another break could save you money. Especially if the exchange rate changes and isn’t in your favour.
If the exchange rate does change in your favour then you can always change it back into pounds and use it towards your next trip away.
You might spend up to two weeks on holiday every year. But this doesn’t have to be something you spend the whole year financing.
