Holidays can be an expensive and budgeting difficult, but you don’t need to splurge excessively for a decent holiday experience. Aside from the golden rule of preparation, the following tips will help you make the least dent in your wallet, allowing you to grab a holiday bargain.
Be Internet Savvy
Before setting out, both internet and insider knowledge will help you save money along the way. Everything from shopping around, price comparison sites and a simple understanding of parking (or transportation) fees will help you keep control of your holiday budget. Once you know how to navigate the world of holiday comparison sites, you are off to a grand start in beating the excess blues. Booking in advance goes without question; hotels, apartments, trains, planes and parking tickets are all best prepared in advance, but there are still many options available for late bookers. In fact, last minute deals may turn out better, but you have to be flexible with your dates. Flying on an evening and travelling off-peak can really bring costs down. Further yet, if you have air miles, use them; if you don’t, consider signing-up.
Comparison Websites
If you are heading away by flight, always check several flight comparison websites like Kayak or Skyscannertogether. Most websites offer e-mail notifications for price changes and peak times. Remember to check the airline carriers directly as well; promotional codes particular to airline companies may apply when booking directly, saving you a hefty fee. A simply google search of your chosen airline plus “discount codes” may return some luck. When searching the web, turn to private mode to avoid the cookies that may be used to influence and increase your deal price.
Compare Your Car Rental
As with flights and hotels, your transportation costs can add up. Making the most of cost comparison sites—and being attentive to designated mileage—will allow you to save those extra pounds. Getting into the habit of comparison will get you the best rates on car hire, travel insurance and package holidays.
Car Excess Insurance
If you are driving a hired vehicle, car excess insurance can be much cheaper when bought from a third-party company rather than over the counter at the car desk. Driving of course alleviates some of the anxieties of transport knowledge and allows you to holiday at your own pace.
Try Airbnb Over a Conventional Hotel
Airbnb are all the rage right now, offering a more personal, interactive and price saving alternative to a traditional hotel experience. There are of course alternatives like Tripping and HomeAway, running the gamut from weekend city breaks to full country cottage rental. The perks of this kind of stay include an obvious reduction in stay price, but also often a working kitchen, free internet and insider knowledge. Stick with the well rated lodgings and remain rigorous in your research at all times for the best deals.
Package or à la carte
Package holidays may offer you significant savings if you are taking your entire family out. All-inclusive deals can cover everything from transport, food and lodgings, to further excursions and festivities. Make the most by heading to a site like We Holiday. “All inclusive” deals can be cheaper to book as a whole package—including your hotel—than the flight alone.
Avoid Excess Fees
Research bank charges abroad, as snags and bad currency rates effect your holiday spending. Consider paying by cash and thus keeping your costs under wraps, or try Revolut for spending abroad.
I’ve never rented a car when traveling. I think it’s a great way to get around, but if the public transport system works, I make sure to take advantage of it 🙂