It’s getting close to the holiday season, and soaking up some sun and enjoying little bit of paradise really shouldn’t break the bank.
There are plenty of ways you can save on a holiday and enjoy a great break away at an affordable price.
Check out our top tips for keeping things cheap on your next holiday.
1. Book Early
Generally the earlier you book, the cheaper the cost of flights and accommodation. The later you leave it, the less availability there will be and higher the cost. We wrote a guide how to find cheap flights, these tips can help you to save big on going overseas.
2. Check for Special Offers
Regularly check flash sales for a great deal on holidays and flights. Most travel companies offer special offers throughout the year where you can save big. Sometimes if you register for newsletter too you might get an introductory discount which you can also use towards the cost of a holiday. We recently wrote a guide to the best hotel booking sites – these regularly have discounted offers on places to stay.
3. Fly Early Morning or Late at Night
Most airlines offer flights with multiple departures per day. Flights are usually cheaper if you depart early in the morning, or late at night, compared to leaving in the late morning or afternoon.
4. Work Out a Budget
Before you even look at flights, sit down and decide how much you can afford to spend on your holiday. Take into account flights, accommodation, food and spending money and work out a sensible budget – we know, it sounds boring, but it’s for the best!
Of course, flight and hotel costs can fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, so you might want to give yourself a buffer at the top end of your budget. This is means you have a bit of leeway when it comes to booking – ideally, you don’t want to spend the full amount, but you can afford to if the right holiday appears within the dates you are after.
5. Off-peak Travel Options
If you are willing to travel at off-peak times, then there’s a chance you can save on your flights and hotel costs. Late May and early June are often good times to look, just before the peak summer season hits, but it means being flexible with your dates. Hotels can be cheaper during May and early June also, but they tend to rise as the peak season nears. Avoid going away in August, this is always the most expensive month. Also try to travel outside of the main school holidays is also cheaper.
6. Choose Your Destination Carefully
Some destinations in Europe are a lot more expensive than others. Places like the Greek islands and Spain can be really expensive during summer. But then other countries, like Turkey for example, is one of the best value for money countries with hotels costing a fraction of the price of some in Western Europe.
7. Consider a Lesser-known Resort
You might want to consider looking for a lesser-known resort for your stay as these can sometimes be cheaper.
The bigger, more popular resorts can be pricier than smaller, lesser known resorts further away from the airport. But it’s not always the case – it’s worth noting that you should keep an eye out for deals in the popular resorts too.
Of course, smaller resorts tend to be much quieter than the busier resort, but if you are just after a relaxing beach break then it might be just the thing for you.
8. Stay Savvy on Accommodation
When booking accommodation, the type you go for can also affect your overall holiday spend. By considering a half-board option with a few kitchen facilities, you could stay in and cook for yourself a few nights during your stay and save on eating out.
For many people, the food is the best part of a holiday, but just because you’re eating in, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the local flavours – far from it! Try a few delicacies from the country you’re staying in.
On holiday in Spain? Give paella a go. Heading to Nice? Pan Bagnat is easy and delicious. By taking a trip to the local markets, you can get hold of some the country’s own produce, add in a bottle of the regional tipple and viola – an authentic meal for two at a fraction of the price.
Alternatively, going all inclusive means food and drink are included during your stay. The price you pay from the outset can be higher to begin with but it means you can more easily control your spend when you’re away knowing that all meals and drinks have all ready been accommodated for. If you can grab a great deal going all inclusive and aren’t fussed about eating out then this could be another good option.
9. Eat Out, Don’t Splash Out
Of course, eating out is all part of any break, so we are not suggesting that you forgo the entire dining experience – you are on holiday after all.
When eating out, look for the best budget deals in the resort. Check the internet before you go for cheap eats and check the reviews to ensure a place is good value, but still good food. Some of the best restaurants are smaller, family run places that don’t charge an arm and a leg. Do your research and prepare a little shortlist of eateries you want to try before you fly – make it part of the holiday fun.
You can also save by looking out for restaurants that offer set menus; these are often much cheaper than the normal options.
10. Get Online Before You Go
If you know there certain things you know you’ll want to do while you’re on holiday – museums, sporting events, water parks etc – have a look online for ticket prices and booking options. There are often discounts for people who book in advance on the internet as well as deals for when you combine multiple attractions.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Although all this talk of budgeting may seem a bit boring, it can really help you enjoy your holiday much more. No one wants to worry about money while away on a beach break so now you’ve done the hard bit, prepare to sit back and relax – you’ve earned it.
