Article Smart travel hacks for a budget-friendly holiday

As the warmer months roll in, you might be looking forward to a well-deserved summer holiday – whether that’s a sun-soaked beach escape, or city staycation.

While the cost of holidays can add up, pre-planning and savvy spending could help your money go further. Here are some practical tips to help you holiday on a budget.

Consider value-for-money destinations

When planning your getaway, think about looking for destinations with a favourable exchange rate. Your money is likely to go further in places where the British pound has strengthened against local currencies in recent years.

Another options is staycations. There’s so much to discover on UK soil, from quaint seaside towns like Deal and Whitstable – to colourful cities such as Manchester and Glasgow.

However, while staycations usually allow you to save on flights, they’re not necessarily cheaper, so make sure you research your destination well beforehand.

Look for ways to keep travel costs down

If you’re flying, there’s plenty strategies you can explore to save money. For example, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly, while Fridays, Sundays and Mondays are the most expensive.¹ You can also set up price alerts on different sites to find out when airfares drop.

Packing light can also help you save. If you’re able to use a laundry service for a low price at your destination (it might even be included in your accommodation!), you could consider just taking hand luggage. This could help you avoid the cost of an expensive checked bag. Of course, this depends on how long you’re travelling for.

Besides being an eco-friendlier option, taking the train can help you save on baggage costs, as you usually don’t have to pay extra for your luggage. Some trainlines have luggage limits though, so be sure to check in advance.

You might want to buy a UK railcard if you intend to go on regular staycations, as this can help you save up to one third off rail fares. There are different railcards available depending on your circumstances.

While at your destination, consider getting around on two wheels – bike rentals are easy on the wallet. It’s a great way to soak up the sights while enjoying some fresh air (and exercise!). Otherwise, taking public transportation helps you get the lay of the land and a sense of local culture.

Savvy saving on accommodation

Before booking a hotel, be sure to compare prices across sites like Booking.com and Expedia. Many of these platforms also offer loyalty programmes, which give you access to the best deals.

You could also consider booking directly with the hotel you have in mind, especially if you have loyalty status. Many hotels offer a discount to loyalty members who book through their own channels.

Plus, cashback portals – which may even be offered by your employer – are a great way to save on accommodation, especially for pricier stays. With these portals, you might get an upfront discount, or earn back a percentage of your total spending on eligible booking platforms.

Home swapping – where you trade residences with someone else for an agreed time – could also save you money. This is because you’ll only need to pay the home exchange site’s membership fees. Be sure to check local council rules in advance, just in case any special licensing requirements apply.

Spend smart at your destination

If you like to use cash on holiday, consider buying your travel money before you leave – buying at the airport can often be more expensive. If you run out of cash or you prefer to pay with card, some multi-currency debit cards offer good foreign exchange rates. Many also offer the ability to withdraw cash abroad without incurring a fee.

Whenever you use your card abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency to avoid unfavourable dynamic currency conversion rates.

You should also familiarise yourself with the local currency to avoid overspending by mistake. Keep a cheat sheet of currency conversions on your phone or in your wallet for easy reference – you can use a currency converter to help you do this.

When sightseeing, you can often save money by purchasing a tourist pass, which usually gives you access to many popular sites for a single price.

Tickets to some museums and landmarks could cost less on certain days of the week or month, too. Some quick research for sights you have your eye on could pay off.

For meals, venture outside of the tourist areas and instead, ask the locals (or even your accommodation hosts) for their favourite spots. Neighbourhood restaurants and street food markets usually serve less expensive – and arguably more delicious – food.

Finally, if you need to stay connected while on the go, consider purchasing a local SIM card to reduce roaming charges, which can add up quickly.

Enjoy the summer

Going on a trip doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. With some forward planning and smart travel hacks, you can keep costs down, stretch your money and enjoy your much-deserved holiday with peace of mind. Don’t forget the suncream, though!