As we transition into the summer months, it’s no surprise that everyone starts thinking about sun, sea and sand. If you’re feeling the holiday urge this season, but are worried about the costs – you’re not alone. Read on to discover our smart money saving tips to keep your finances in check this summer.
Travel
Travel is one of the biggest costs when it comes to going on holiday. However, there are a few ways you can satisfy the holiday urge, whilst travelling for less.
Shop around for the cheapest flights
An easy way to save some money on travel is by shopping around trusted airline providers to find the best price for your flights. Many airline companies fly out to popular holiday destinations, but not all of them offer the same deals. By carrying out some research and comparing prices, you are sure to find the best deal for you.
To help you compare prices, always use flight-comparison websites such as Expedia, Skyscanner and Google Flights. These websites compare flights from thousands of online travel agencies, as well as major airlines themselves, to find the best deal for you and save you from facing financial hardship this summer season.
Find the best airport to travel from
Another great way to save money on travel is by departing from a slightly further airport than normal. Sometimes, travelling from an airport that is less local to you, may be cheaper. However, it is important to check that this method does not make your trip more expensive in the long run.
With the British economy only just improving upon increased inflation rates recently, due to the cost of living crisis, the last thing anyone wants is to be paying more than they need to. This is why it’s important to check prices for each airport nearby, in order to find the best option for you.
Travel during off-peak times
Travelling during busy times of the year can add hundreds of pounds onto your flights. Popular times include school holidays, the periods before and after the Christmas season and the hotter months of the year (especially July and August). This is why it’s important to be smart when planning where your holiday fits into the off-peak times of the calendar year.
To give your finances some breathing space, try booking night-time flights or travelling during the less popular summer months such as the end of May, June and the beginning of September.
Walk or use public transportation whilst on holiday
Travel is not limited to simply taking you abroad, you also have to factor in how you’ll get from A to B once you reach your final destination. That’s why it is crucial to consider the cheapest travel methods for your route around the local attractions. If your journey is within walking distance, this is a great option for saving money. If the distance is a little further, public transport is an ideal alternative, as it’s a lot cheaper than renting a car – saving you money on both parking and petrol costs.
To save you from money worries this summer, try planning an itinerary before your holiday. Map out a route for each activity and ensure your journey to each attraction is either within walking distance, or can be travelled to via public transport.
Accommodation
Another essential cost to factor into your holiday budget is your accommodation. Whilst hotels can be expensive, depending on location, there are a few smart ways around this.
Book directly with the hotel
Similar to booking your flights, the first port of call is to try hotel-comparison websites, such as Trivago, in order to find the best deal for you. However, it is vital to also check the price on the hotel’s own website. If the rate listed on the comparison pages is better than the hotel itself, call up and ask them to match the price.
Booking directly also means you’ll be the first one they update on any potential room upgrades, as well as extra advantages within your package – such as Wi-Fi and breakfast service. Although, it is important to note that some smaller, independent hotels will only accept direct bookings after receiving a bank transfer or cheque deposit from you. So, you should always make sure you are booking your holiday accommodation with a company you can trust.
Book through Airbnb
A great alternative to hotels is Airbnb. As Airbnb doesn’t carry the weight of overheads the same way hotels do, booking through them can often be much cheaper. However, Airbnb can become as costly as a hotel if travelling alone, or in a small group, and for a short period of time.
To save on your holiday accommodation, you should weigh up whether booking an Airbnb would be better financially if you are travelling in a larger group, or staying for a longer period of time.
Consider booking a hostel
An even cheaper alternative accommodation is a hostel. For those travelling alone, booking a single bed in a hostel dorm is miles cheaper than a hotel or an Airbnb. If you’re conscious about your spending, shared accommodation will help alleviate this worry.
Besides the low-cost, there are also many other benefits to staying in a hostel. Not only can you take advantage of shared facilities which will save you money on food, you can also reap the benefits of the social atmosphere, whilst asking fellow travellers or the hostel staff for recommendations on which local attractions to visit during your stay.
Food & Drink
Food and drink is another big spending factor to consider when going on holiday. Prices will vary depending on location, which is why it is important to plan ahead.
Create a spending budget
Creating a spending budget is one of the best ways to save money on food and drink abroad. The most effective way to do this is by researching the restaurants that will be close to your accommodation and comparing menu prices.
Another thing to consider, is to plan your trip around any food and drink festivals or events, as this might mean better offers and deals on food prices. Once this is all planned out, you can set yourself a budget for each day. For more information, check out our easy budgeting guide here.
Take advantage of self-catering options
An easy way to avoid falling into a negative budget, is to take advantage of the self-catering options available to you. If possible, aim to book accommodation that has kitchen facilities – a hostel or a self catering holiday may be the easiest choice for this.
Research the closest stores to your accommodation and cook your own meals with local produce. Not only does this allow you to taste regional foods, it also reduces your budget outgoings.
Are you currently struggling with money and need debt advice?
We understand how difficult it can be to save money during the holiday season, especially if you are struggling financially, or facing debt.
Don’t allow the holiday urge to push you into debt and face money worries.
If you’re already experiencing debt troubles, that’s where we come in to help. To get expert advice, use our online debt advice tool or contact us to speak to one of our professionals today. You can email us directly with some information regarding your debts, and we can get back to you to discuss your options. You can also chat with one of our advisors on WhatsApp, which is a better option if you don’t have access to a private and secure email account.
