While a holiday may be the last thing you think about when trying to save money, there are options out there to help you go on holiday for less.
With many people continuing to struggle with the cost of living crisis, cheaper holidays are more favourable than ever.
In this blog, we’ll look at how you can get some well-deserved rest on a budget.
Decide on your budget
The best way to start your plans is by deciding on your budget. It may take you some time to save for a holiday, but you can use different saving techniques and good habits to build up your fund. While saving money can feel like a long process, it’s extremely rewarding to be able to pay for your trip with your hard-earned savings.
Having a budget to stick to allows you to focus on the most important elements of your holiday. You may prefer to spend more money on a one-off activity, but that may mean you need to find ways to cut back on your spending elsewhere. It’s all about striking a balance between enjoying yourself and being smart with your cash.
While it can be tempting to pay for your holiday on a credit card or through other financing, you need to make sure that you can easily repay the amount. Using an approach like this can sometimes lead to spending beyond your means. While it's important to prioritise relaxation, accruing debt can be stressful and should be avoided.
Plan ahead
Some people like to book their trips last minute. While this method can sometimes lead to savings, most evidence suggests that booking well in advance can lead to better results.
When booking flights, it is recommended that you book between 3-9 months before you plan to go on holiday. If you have an idea of when and where you’d like to go, you may be able to take advantage of sales. Remember to check around Black Friday and January for great offers.
The same principle applies to hotels and accommodation. Many hotels frequently offer winter sales, providing the opportunity to book at reduced rates during off-peak times.
Consider alternative types of transport
If you are travelling abroad, the chances are you’re thinking of going by plane. However, if you’re travelling from the UK to many places in Europe, you may be able to find cheaper options by travelling by ferry or train.
If you are travelling as a family or in a large group, a ferry could be a good choice. They can be much cheaper than flying, plus you may take as much luggage as you want on them. Most airlines will charge extra for baggage, sometimes doubling the price of your original ticket. With a ferry, these baggage regulations don’t exist, so your group will be able to take what they need without worrying about weight.
Also, you may take your car on a ferry, which can save money on transport. Just make sure you have the right insurance coverage before driving abroad.
You can get to many destinations in Europe by travelling on the train. The Eurostar can take you from the UK to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. By booking far in advance you can sometimes find prices that are a fraction of the cost of flights. Like with a ferry, you are less bound by baggage regulations when travelling this way too.
Be flexible with dates and times
Everyone knows that booking in off-peak times can help you save money. Avoiding school holidays can be one of the best ways to get the lowest prices. However, it’s not always possible to avoid them, especially if you are a family going on holiday with school-age children.
While you may be bound to school holidays, you can save money by being flexible with your dates. You can use flight comparison sites to see which dates are the cheapest. Mid-week flights may be less than flights on or around the weekend.
If you can face a very early start, the first flights in the morning tend to be cheaper. While it may be inconvenient, you will get to your destination early, so that you can start enjoying your holiday sooner while saving money.
Weigh up options for accommodation
Your accommodation options depend on your situation. Young people going travelling with friends may not mind staying in a cheap hostel, whereas this might not be a feasible option for a family holiday.
Booking multiple hotel rooms can become costly, especially for larger groups. Holiday lets offer an excellent alternative for accommodating bigger groups, often equipped with kitchens, reducing the reliance on eating out and resulting in significant savings.
When opting for hotel rooms, using comparison sites can help secure the best deals. Some holidays may be much cheaper when you remove the meal options. Consider whether getting meals included is necessary. If you are staying in a town or city, there’ll likely be good, cheap options for food, such as cafes, supermarkets and market stalls.
Most hotels charge a premium to eat in their restaurants, so eating at other places may still be cheaper. By researching ahead of time, you’ll be able to decide how you want to approach this.
However, if you can get a good all-inclusive deal, you can enjoy the convenience of having meals included in your stay without worrying about additional expenses.
Some people prefer luxury accommodation, but if you are travelling on a budget, this likely won’t be an option. If you want to explore the area and plan on spending most of your time away from the accommodation, you just need to find something functional. There’s nothing wrong with finding cheap, basic accommodation that you use simply as a base to explore a new place. Good alternatives to hotels include; caravans, hostels, rental apartments and camping.
Summary
In summary, if you’re trying to save money but still want to go on holiday, there are ways you can do it. Starting with a strict budget will help you be realistic about your plans and help you think more carefully about your savings. When you have your budget, try and plan your trip 3-9 months in advance, some research suggests that these are the best times to access cheaper deals.
By choosing an alternative method of transportation to flying, such as a ferry or a train, you can save money on tickets and luggage. Being flexible with your dates will help you find the best days to travel on, saving you a considerable amount of money. Finally, your choice of accommodation is one of the biggest factors in the cost of your trip. By picking a cheaper option, you could significantly reduce your overall expenses, leaving more room in your budget for other activities, dining experiences, or souvenirs.
