Holiday savings tips

• Make a plan

  Want to know the cheapest and most affordable way to travel? Have a plan! By planning out your holiday and having an itinerary, you are more likely to save money as you know what you will be spending and for what purposes (it’s the beach clubs for us!). Consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend to get an idea of what destinations would suit you best. Common things to consider include flights, accommodation, dining out, tourist attractions, and money for exploring the area you are going to.

• Scan and research

  Comparison sites are a great way to save money on all aspects of your trip, from flights and accommodation to airport transfers and car rental hire. For example, when comparing flights, hotels, and package holidays, using sites like Skyscanner, Travelsupermarket and Trivago can help you save money right from the beginning. Another great resource is Jacks Flight Club, a free email newsletter that sends you the world’s cheapest flights!

• Stay protected

  Ensure you book with a reputable travel agent that will provide protection should plans change. When booking a holiday, make sure the company you are booking with is protected by either the ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licensing) schemes. All UK firms selling holidays with air travel must be signed up to ATOL. ABTA covers rail, road, or sea travel holidays.

• How will I know if the travel company is ATOL or ABTA protected?

  To make sure your holiday is protected, look for the ATOL or ABTA logo (both are shown opposite) in your travel company’s brochures, adverts, and websites. Your travel company should also be able to tell you if ATOL/ABTA protection applies

• Consider different routes

  Another way to save money on your next holiday is to consider the different routes you can take to get to your destination.

• Check any data roaming charges

  Since the UK left the EU, many mobile networks are now charging customers for data-roaming throughout the EU. As it stands, these networks include Vodaphone, EE, and Three. 02 and Virgin Mobile have pledged to keep free European roaming for mobile users, but this may change in the future. The new EU roaming charges average around £2 per day and vary between the provider and the contract the customer has with the firm. We suggest you double-check any roaming charges with your provider.

• Get yourself covered

  As soon as your holiday is booked, get your travel insurance sorted. Some bank accounts offer free travel insurance, so check if you’re already covered. It might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but if it doesn’t provide the cover you need it’s not worth purchasing. However, having good travel insurance in place will save you a lot of money for your next holiday. For example, you may be able to claim back for your cancelled flights or if your suitcase is lost.

• Don’t get weighed down

  To avoid excess charges at the airport, check the baggage allowance for the airline you’re travelling with and weigh your baggage before you go. There’s nothing worse than having to empty your suitcase at the airport because it’s too full! Allowances can vary dramatically between airlines, and even between the type of ticket, e.g. ‘economy plus’ might have a greater allowance than ‘standard economy’.

• Check your EHIC or GHIC Card

  Following the UK leaving the EU, the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is gradually being phased out. This is being replaced by the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC is also free and gives you access to free or discounted medical care in all EU countries and Switzerland. An EHIC/GHIC card will help you save money on medical treatment you may need while you are on holiday.

• Compare exchange rates

  Many people still like to take cash abroad with them when they go on holiday. However, how much you can get for your money when you exchange it for another currency will depend on the company you use. Therefore, make sure you compare different providers to ensure you are getting the most of your money! There are many helpful exchange rate comparison tools that can be found online on sites such as Money Saving Expert or Money Supermarket.

• Ask a friend or family member for a lift

  Generally speaking, airports can be relatively difficult to get to if you do not drive. With the cost of taxis rising and fewer public services running at the moment, it is worth asking a friend or family member if they can drive you to the airport. Getting a lift from a friend or family member will save you a good chunk of money on a taxi!

• Bring your own snacks

  Most airports will allow you to take solid snacks (such as sandwiches, crisps, crackers and biscuits) through security and onto the plane, so you could save a fortune keeping hunger at bay compared to the inflated in-flight prices. Liquids over 100ml aren’t allowed through, but it’s still often cheaper to buy water or juice in the departure lounge rather than onboard. A great tip is to keep some snacks in your hand luggage, so you have easy access as you travel through the airport and on the plane!

• Avoid tipping twice

  Tipping and services charges vary depending on what country you’re visiting. For instance – in the US your bill won’t include a service charge, but if you received good service, a tip of around 15 to 20% in restaurants and bars is normal. On the continent, a service charge is often included, so make sure you don’t pay twice by looking out for the words ‘servis compris’ in France, ‘servizio incluso’ in Italy, and ‘servicio incluido’ in Spain.