With summer in full swing, many Brits will be leaving home behind as they embark on a well-earned holiday.
However, with the cost-of-living crisis is still forcing people to penny-pinch at every opportunity – finding value for money can be tough.
A survey of 2,000 people carried out by money saving and deals community site Hot UK Deals found that Brits go abroad three times a year, with four in ten (43 percent) say they are going away less now than five years ago.
Two thirds (66 per cent) said it was due to the higher prices, taking longer to save up the money to go away (39 per cent), higher costs of going away during the school holidays (23 per cent) or simply not having the time (15 per cent).
Vix Leyton, consumer expert from Hot UK Deals and host of the ‘False Economy’ podcast, shared ten of the best ways to save money while on holiday this summer.
Read on below for their top tips to enjoy a getaway without breaking the bank.
With summer in full swing, many Brits will be leaving home behind for a break abroad as they embark on a well-earned holiday (File image)
Go direct
Sharing her first tip, Ms Leyton said that you should always look to book resorts and hotels directly – as prices are often cheaper to avoid companies losing out on fees to third-party sites such as Booking.com.
Vix said: ‘Resorts and hotels are desperate to swerve aggregators so it is worth trying to deal direct – as well as the potential for a cheaper price, they may offer you anything from credits to spend onsite to free breakfast.’
Deal or no deal
The consumer expert’s next tip was to browse online to make sure you are getting the best value.
She warned that understanding what the going rate for your destination is means you can make a more informed choice and not pay over the odds in the process.
Check your transfers
Thirdly, she advised not to book transfers with your holiday company without research.
Vix advised: ‘Local transport can be cheaper when you get there, whether it is a taxi booked from the airport (Uber) or trains.
‘Shared transfers can also cut time off your holiday – often picking you up earlier than you need to be there, so weigh that up when making a decision.
‘If you’re traveling in a group, private transfers booked separately may well be the same price or cheaper.’
Getting to your home airport – and staying there
If you’re driving, Vix says, weigh up the cost of parking when choosing your departure airport and check out hotels in the grounds as some of them provide free parking (File image)
Next up, the consumer guru said it is always important to book trains in advance if you are planning rail travel.
She also said that if you are part of a group that is not a family, then you should book together to get group savings of up to a third off your tickets.
If you’re driving, Vix says, weigh up the cost of parking when choosing your departure airport and check out hotels in the grounds as some of them provide free parking for the duration of your holiday within the price of your one night stay.
Research is power
Vix followed with her next key piece of advice, which is to use the extensive nature of the Internet to your advantage.
While she said that booking direct can sometimes give you cheapest deal, she said you should not eschew price comparison sites and money saving apps entirely.
Vix said: [They] only make it easy to find the best deals on flights, accommodation and car rentals but also have community feedback so you can sort the real deals from the marketing hype.’
Be flexible
Her next piece of advice centred around flexibility when travelling, and the huge savings that could see you net on the total cost of a trip.
Ms Leyton said: ‘If you can be flexible with your departure airport and travel dates you can find significantly cheaper flights on days when demand is lower.
‘You might even be able to extend your holiday a couple of extra days for the same price as a Saturday flight.
‘Morning flights are also often a lot cheaper, and gives you extra time in your resort on your first day.’
Check your privileges
If you are flexible about the exact dates you are able to travel, you could make huge savings on the total cost of your trip (File image)
With the quantity of loyalty schemes, discount offers and perks from companies on offer to millions of people across the world, Vix said it is always worth checking to see what upgrades you might be eligible for.
She commented: ‘Before you go, check your perks on your credit card / bank account – from free lounge access that even allows you to sign in others for a small fee, to restaurant cashback you can use at the airport, there might be some helpful extras you can use.
‘You may also have travel insurance cover, but check the levels match what you need before ticking that job off the list.’
Lounge life
While many might turn their nose up at the increased cost of spending extra money to enter an airport lounge, Vix said it could be worth it if you are likely to be in the airport for an extended period of time.
She noted: ‘For example, if you have a lengthy layover and are suffering from jetlag, you can benefit from comfy seating, buffet food options, unlimited drinks and charging options for electronic devices – all at a capped cost.’
Live like a local
Vix’s penultimate tip saw her advise anyone looking to save money as much as possible on their holiday to live like a local.
She stated: ‘Sign up for experience companies like LivingSocial in advance to browse options for local deals and restaurants.
‘If something looks too good to be true then unfortunately it just might be, but it might also be a hidden gem.
While many might turn their nose up at the increased cost of spending extra money to enter an airport lounge, Vix said it could be worth it if you are likely to be in the airport for an extended period of time (File image)
‘If you’re going somewhere like New York (or even short haul to a little weekend in London) check out what TV/radio shows are recording – Applause store is international and has some big name shows for free if you are prepared to be in the studio audience.’
Ask your concierge
Finally, the discount expert said that – if all else fails – you can ask your concierge for recommendations if staying in a hotel.
She said that you might be able to find a hidden gem by making use of the reception for real local recommendations for places to eat and drink and the cheapest, best ways to travel.
If you speak the local language of your chosen destination, conversing with taxi drivers is also a great way to find a spot you otherwise might never have encountered.
