Going on holiday abroad doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of tricks you can use to keep costs down, from booking less-demanded flights and destinations to cooking local cuisines in your accommodation. If you’re concerned about sticking to your budget on your next holiday, check out our saving tips below.
Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Looking outside peak holiday dates can help you find flights and accommodation at significantly lower prices. The shoulder season, which falls between a region’s busiest months and its offseason, offers several benefits beyond lower prices.
You’ll avoid the bustling crowds and overtourism, as well as the heatwaves that are increasingly gripping popular holiday destinations in southern European countries, such as Greece. In September and October, the temperatures will still be warm without being stifling, and you’ll find better deals on hotels, flights, and package holidays, especially if you look for quieter destinations.
Maximise Loyalty Programmes and Travel Points
Travel rewards credit cards will earn you points on everyday spending, so look for cards that partner with airlines or hotel chains for added perks such as free checked bags or upgrades. Book accommodation and flights through providers in your loyalty network to collect points, and remember to sign up for free airline and railway loyalty schemes. Many offer points just for signing up.
To avoid foreign transaction fees while still earning rewards, you can use apps like Curve and Revolut to consolidate your cards. You can also transfer points between schemes, such as from Tesco Clubcard to Avios, to boost your travel budget.
Save on Food and Transport Like a Local
Once you’ve arrived, you can cut down on food costs by seeking out local markets away from tourist hubs. Bakeries and street food stalls often sell local delicacies for a fraction of the price of tourist traps, with many restaurants offering affordable set lunch menus. Buying food and cooking it at your accommodation is another great way to try new cuisine and prepare meals for day outings.
Research city passes or tourist cards that offer discounted prices on public transit and tourist attractions. While ride-sharing apps can be useful in a pinch, they tend to be expensive, so try to avoid them and opt for public transport, such as buses and trams.
Stay Organised with a Dedicated Travel Email
It can be challenging to keep up with all the deal alerts, newsletters, and exclusive travel offers sent to your personal email inbox. They can quickly clog up your promotions tab, and you can miss out on deals that would have allowed you to travel on the cheap.
By creating a free email account, you’ll be able to manage your travel emails in a dedicated location. Look for a provider with high privacy standards that utilises features like end-to-end encryption and a straightforward method for importing emails from your main account.
