Staycations suck! I read that somewhere recently and it’s so true! Don’t give up your overseas holiday this year, just use our tips to save serious money instead:
Travel Out Of Season – Beat the tourist crowds and save money by travelling out of season. Double check when your destination is busiest and when they have their local holidays, festivals etc. Also check when the school/college holidays are in your country that could bump up the prices.
Go Direct and Save Money – Check out the adventure holidays on PureTravel and take your pick from hundreds of cultural and sports and activity tours across the world. By booking the tour you want direct, you’ll save money, get an individual tour with local knowledge and support the local communities to which you’ll be traveling.
Book Flights Early – Plan ahead and book your flight as early as you can so there is more choice and more availability. Be flexible about the day and time that you travel and you should pick up a bargain. Try comparison websites and the try airlines direct.
Get Travel Insurance – Make sure you have adequate travel insurance and an annual policy is usually a money saver. Check what you are covered for, especially if you going on an action and adventure holiday. If you’re ill on holiday, the medical and repatriation fees could be very costly indeed. Also read our tips on How To Be A Healthy Traveler.
Check Airport Parking Costs – Find out how much it will cost to leave your car at the airport and to save money book in advance, compare parking prices and also consider taking a train, bus or taxi instead. Or call in a favor with a friend or relative and persuade them to take you to the airport – just don’t tell them it’s a 3am start!
Get Back To Nature – Consider an adventure holiday where you get back to nature as spending your time hiking, climbing and walking is typically cheaper than a city or sightseeing break. There are fewer opportunities for your other half to punish the credit card and buy useless rubbish! You’ll get healthy and build thighs of steel!
Sort Your Accommodation – Try a small hotel, bed and breakfast or even a hostel if your accommodation isn’t already included. Smaller properties are also more likely to be flexible and offer discounts. That said the big hotel chains are also competing for your business and although they may not offer discounts, you could always prompt them for a free upgrade or some free goodies during your stay.
Weigh Your Baggage – Don’t get stung for excess baggage fees, follow our advice How To Pack Smart This Holiday and save money. Make sure you leave room in your suitcase to bring any purchases home.
Do A House Swap – Trade your home with another and save money on renting in your destination and get more space than a hotel. No you can’t swap your partner into the bargain!
Check Special Offers – There is stacks of cash to be saved at the moment with a choice of Special Offers and last minute bargains. Somebody else’s last minute cancellation could be your perfect vacation!
Check Your Plastic – Find out what your credit card charges you for using your card abroad on transactions and cash withdrawals. You could be better off getting a specialist credit card for use overseas or maybe just opt-out of the tacky souvenirs this year!
Become A Frequent Flier – Sign up for airline’s frequent-flier programs where you can collect miles or points and trade it in for free or reduced price flights.
Check Mobile Phone Charges – If you plan on staying in touch then check how much your provide charges you for calls and texts. See if they have an international package or consider buying a local sim card to reduce costs.
Get Currency Before You Travel – Airport exchanges rates are normally pretty pathetic so make sure you’ve got your holiday currency before you set off. Compare the rate of exchange and commission.
Read up on our other recent advice and tips articles;
How To Make Money From Your Holiday
9 Ways To Save Money With Green Travel
Top 8 Travel Myths Exposed!
Warning: These Travel Tips Will Save You Money
