Save Money on Your Next Holiday with These Expert Tips
Are you tired of breaking the bank every time you plan a holiday? With the summer holiday season fast approaching, many of us are looking for ways to save money without sacrificing the fun and relaxation we deserve. Luckily, holiday experts have shared their top tips and tricks to help you make the most of your next getaway without breaking the bank.
Opt for Off-Peak Travel
One of the simplest ways to save money on your holiday is to travel during off-peak seasons. According to Fred Harrington, CEO of coupon site Bountii, travelling during off-peak seasons can save you a significant amount of money. For example, 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 substantial amount.
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.
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.
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. Many airlines offer free underseat or even overhead luggage options. All airlines are different, so prices will vary, and what’s on offer will also depend on who you’re flying with.
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 way of learning a bit more about the place you’re visiting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Window Rebates and Loans
Did you know that many home improvement projects, like installing new windows, actually come with some financial relief, thanks to a healthy number of window rebates and loans available to Canadian homeowners? For example, Canadian Greener Homes Loan provides a $40,000, zero-interest loan for homeowners to do window or door replacements. It is the only offer on the market which basically allows you to pay back for new windows over 10 years, with no interest, and in small payments.
Image caption: New energy-efficient windows can help save on utility costs and boost the value of your home.
With these expert tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to saving money on your next holiday. Whether you’re looking to travel during off-peak seasons, take advantage of coupons and discounts, or make the most of comparison websites, there are plenty of ways to make your holiday budget go further. So why not start planning your next getaway today?
